Switzerland's largest cultural-history museum, housed in a fairy-tale castle-like building next to Zürich main station, with galleries covering Swiss history from prehistory to the present.
The Swiss National Museum opened in 1898 in a castle-style building by Gustav Gull, standing right beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof and the Platzspitz park. A glass-and-concrete extension opened in 2016, giving the museum a modern wing beside the original historicist halls. Permanent displays include the Archaeology of Switzerland, the History of Switzerland, and collections of medieval art, weapons, folk costume and period rooms, while temporary shows tackle contemporary themes. Visitors can follow the story of the Confederacy from the Old Swiss Confederacy through Reformation, industrial change and neutrality. Highlights include late medieval altarpieces, historic interiors reassembled room by room, and a Roman-period collection from the Zürich area. The museum can absorb two to three hours, more with children, who enjoy the hands-on stations. Crowds stay moderate except on rainy weekends. The building also has a café and shop, and the entrance hall, restaurant and courtyard are free to enter.
| Admission | Adult CHF 10 (approx $12.50) · Child Free under 16 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, Thu until 7PM; closed Mon (check landesmuseum.ch for holiday changes) |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Thursday evening for late opening, or weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Directly beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof (main station); exit toward Museumstrasse or take any tram to Bahnhofquai/HB |
| Address | Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- history buffs, families, rainy-day activity
Location
Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3790, 8.5406 View on map
Highlights
- Castle-like 1898 building beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof
- Permanent exhibitions on Swiss history and archaeology
- Reconstructed historic period rooms and medieval altarpieces
- Modern extension linked to the original halls
Tips for visiting
- Entry is free under 16, and Swiss Travel Pass holders enter free
- Pair it with a stroll through Platzspitz park, the museum's neighbour behind the building
- Start with the 'History of Switzerland' galleries to give context to what follows
When to visit
Thursday evening for late opening, or weekday mornings.
Accessibility
Step-free access via lifts to all public floors in both the old and new wings; accessible toilets and wheelchairs available on request.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Allow two to three hours for the permanent exhibitions, longer if a temporary show is also on.
Is the museum good for families?
Yes. Entry is free under 16, there are interactive stations, and the adjoining Platzspitz park offers space to relax afterwards.