Switzerland's largest museum of cultural history, housed in a castle-like building beside the main station, with archaeology, medieval art, the formation of the Swiss Confederacy and the history of modern Switzerland.
The Landesmuseum Zürich opened in 1898 in a historicist building by architect Gustav Gull, designed to resemble a Swiss castle with towers, turrets and an inner courtyard. It holds the national collection of Swiss cultural history, from Stone Age tools and Roman finds through medieval altarpieces, weapons and stained glass to the household objects of the 20th century. A modern extension by Christ & Gantenbein opened in 2016 and links the old building to the Platzspitz park behind it. For a visitor following Zürich's own story, the archaeology galleries hold finds from the prehistoric lake dwellings of Lake Zürich and the 2nd-century tombstone that records the Roman name Turicum. The history galleries trace the Confederacy, the Reformation and the creation of the federal state in 1848. The museum is next to Zürich Hauptbahnhof, so it fits a rail layover of two to three hours. Adult admission is CHF 13 (approx $16) and children under 16 enter free; confirm current rates, opening hours and any temporary-exhibition surcharge at landesmuseum.ch before visiting.
| Admission | CHF 13 (approx $16); reduced CHF 10 (approx $12.50); free under 16 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, Thu until 7PM per the city tourism listing (a change to 5PM on Thu from 1 October 2026 was reported); closed Mon |
| Address | Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Why it matters
The national collection of Swiss cultural history, including the evidence for Roman Turicum and the lake-dwelling cultures of Lake Zürich.
Location
Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3792, 8.5407 View on map
Highlights
- Roman tombstone recording the name Turicum
- Finds from prehistoric lake dwellings on Lake Zürich
- Medieval altarpieces, armour and stained glass
- Gustav Gull's castle-like 1898 building and the 2016 extension
Tips for visiting
- Entry is free for visitors under 16
- The museum sits directly beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof, exit toward Museumstrasse
- The Platzspitz park behind the museum is free and good for a break
- Check landesmuseum.ch for current opening hours before visiting
When to visit
Weekday mornings, when school groups are fewer.
Accessibility
The building and the extension are step-free with lifts to the main galleries.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How much is entry to the Swiss National Museum?
Adult entry is CHF 13 (approx $16), reduced CHF 10 (approx $12.50), and children under 16 enter free, per the city tourism listing; the regular adult price is reported to rise to CHF 18 from 5 January 2027.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours; allow longer for a temporary exhibition.