Swiss National Museum

Landesmuseum Zürich

Switzerland’s main museum of history and culture.

The Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich) sits beside Zurich’s Main Train Station in a castle-like building that blends Gothic revival with modern design. It houses the country’s richest collection of cultural heritage – from Celtic relics and medieval artefacts to 20th-century objects and design. With immersive exhibits and rotating shows, the museum offers a deep dive into Swiss identity across the ages.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Zurich center 18-28 min.

From Lucerne by car ~47 min.

From Basel by car ~1 h 8 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~1 h 45 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~2 h 57 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

The Swiss National Museum in Zurich is the country’s leading museum of cultural history, set by the Main Station and Platzspitz Park. It blends a late-19th-century historicist ensemble with a striking 2016 extension.

Key features

Opened in 1898 by architect Gustav Gull – castle-like historicism with towers and courtyards.
Sited on a “peninsula” between the Limmat and Sihl next to Zürich HB – ideal for quick stop-ins.
2016 concrete wing by Christ & Gantenbein – completes a circular route and frames the courtyard.
Holdings exceed 870,000 objects – 14 collection areas from archaeology to design.
One of the world’s largest collections of Swiss stained glass – dedicated rooms and recurring displays.

What to see

“Archaeology Switzerland” – from prehistoric sites to the early Middle Ages.
“History Switzerland” – everyday culture, crafts and art from the 16th century to today.
“Simply Zurich” – a free permanent show on the city and canton.

History

In 1891, Zurich was chosen to host the national museum. Between 1892–1898, Gustav Gull built a historicist complex of towers and courts uniting collection, display and architecture. It opened on 25 June 1898.

In 1994, structural issues forced partial closure, prompting comprehensive refurbishment and an expansion project. Christ & Gantenbein won the competition; their sculptural concrete wing opened in 2016, linking the old buildings into a continuous circuit and adding new event and exhibition spaces.

In 2023, the museum marked its 125th anniversary and remains Switzerland’s most-visited cultural-history museum, with an active program of temporary exhibitions and courtyard events.

Practical information

Location: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich. A 2–5-minute walk from Zürich HB via Museumstrasse.

Getting there: On foot from the Main Station. Tram hubs around HB: Bahnhofplatz/HB – lines 3, 10, 14; Bahnhofquai/HB – 4, 11, 13, 14, 17; Bahnhofstrasse/HB – 6, 7, 11, 13, 17.

Access: Largely step-free; individual assistance available on request. Courtyard often open as a public thoroughfare.

Visiting hours: Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 10:00–17:00; Thu 10:00–19:00; Mon closed. Holiday hours vary.

Visit duration: 1.5–3 hours for the permanent shows; up to 4 hours including temporaries.

Best time: Weekday mornings or Thursday evenings; Illuminarium light festival in winter, open-air courtyard cinema in early summer.

Notes: Tickets approx. CHF 13 adults, CHF 10 concessions, under-16s free; “Simply Zurich” is free. Audio guides available on devices and via the “Landesmuseum” app.

Tours