Guide number 8 - Museums

Some museums have free entrance or special prices for students and families. They are great places for getting to know the country and its people. Check opening times as many close on Mondays. Consider getting a Swiss Museum Pass: 
Swiss museum pass

Here are some suggestions:

Zürich Landesmuseum Behind the main station, this once rather stuffy place has been transformed into an exciting experience highlighting the different ages of the History of Switzerland in colour-coded rooms with appropriate sound effects. In the Collections Gallery in the large hall are artistically displayed some of the highlights of the museum’s permanent collection. Special exhibitions are also worth paying extra for, and in winter the courtyard hosts free ice skating. The museum is also free to Swiss Museum Pass holders.

http://www.landesmuseen.ch/e/index.php

Zürich Kunsthaus Free entrance to under 16s, students and concessions; also on Wednesday afternoons. The permanent collection includes Old Masters, Impressionists, Dada, Swiss artists and sculptors, and modern art. Annual membership is also a good deal.

http://www.kunsthaus.ch/en/

Rietberg Museum, Zürich Enge

The only art museum for non-European cultures in Switzerland including art from Asia, Africa and Ancient America. The recent addition of the Emerald glass exhibition space enhances the special exhibitions and contains an eclectic gift shop. Admission is free for under 16s.

http://www.rietberg.ch/en-gb/foyer.aspx

Dinosaur Museum Aathal, near Uster

Aimed at children, this museum features prehistoric relics from the USA as well as from Switzerland. Closed Mondays. http://www.sauriermuseum.ch/

Goldapfel Museum, Einsiedeln

‘Also one of my favourite places, the gingerbread museum at Goldapfel bakery (free). The entire back room features wood moulds used to make Tirggel and gingerbread type cookies.’  Amy E. http://www.goldapfel.ch/pages/willkommen.php

Tinguely Museum, Basel

A fantastic collection of mobiles and huge constructions featuring bells, whistles, wheels and weird creations, lots of hands-on features. The building was designed by architect Mario Botta. Located beside the Rhine. Take tram 2, bus 31 or 38 from Basel SBB station.

http://www.tinguely.ch/en/informationen_services/informationen.html

Technorama, Winterthur

Science is brought to life in this interactive museum, with information also in English. Great fun for older kids; you can easily spend a day there. There is a room to eat your picnic as well as a restaurant. Closed Mondays. Best approached by car taking the A1 Oberwinterthur exit.

http://www.technorama.ch/en/

Verkehrshaus Luzern

The Luzern transport museum is a great place for a family day out. Situated by the lake in Luzern (approach by bus, train or boat), you can discover the history of Swiss transport by road, rail and water, in the air and outer space. You can climb on or try out many of the exhibits. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus a film theatre, a planetarium and special daily performances. It’s not cheap but you can get a discount with the Swiss Museum Pass.

http://www.verkehrshaus.ch/en/museum/

Hergiswil Glass Museum

Here you can see the glass blowers at work as well as taking an interactive tour, in a choice of languages, about the history of the glass works. Then visit the exhibition, glass shops, restaurant and children’s playground. The museum is beautifully located beside the lake of Lucerne, the Vierwaldstättersee and is accessible by train, boat and car. 

http://www.glasi.ch/index.php?id=2&L=1

Be your own tour guide!

No need to pay for an expensive guided tour; you can take a tour of the main sights in any major Swiss city with the help of a good guide book and a street map. The following towns are worth a visit: click on the links for extra information from our members:

Featured town: Chur

Plus why not visit these other lovely towns and cities - see links on right:

Zurich
Zug

Luzern

Bern – you can also visit the Swiss Parliament on a guided tour

Basel Altstadt

St. Gallen cathedral area

Schaffhausen

Bellinzona

Murten

Konstanz

Plus why not explore on your own these lovely towns and cities:

Geneva - see http://www.geneva.info/

Fribourg – a medieval town on the French/German language border

Appenzell – an old-fashioned town

Lugano – gateway to three lakes

Locarno – on Lago Maggiore

And more…

Compiled by Julia Newton, 25 January 2012. Amended April 2016

With contributions from Amy Eber, Colin Hawker, Ewelina Pace, Gill Rüttimann, Helga Meyer-Piening, Lindsey Carver, Otto Schreibke, Paola Cavallari, Sue Poolman, Trudi MacDonald ,Valerie Quiblier.