Swiss National Museum — Attraction in Zurich

Review of the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich) 🏰 Switzerland’s Treasure Chest of History & Culture

Housed in a fairytale-like castle next to Zürich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof), the Swiss National Museum is the country’s most comprehensive museum, spanning prehistory to modern design.

⭐ Highlights The Building (A Work of Art Itself) Neo-Gothic Architecture: Designed by Gustav Gull (1898), mixing medieval towers with modern wings.

Photo Ops: The courtyard and stained-glass windows are Instagram favorites.

Must-See Exhibitions Permanent Collection:

Swiss History: From Roman artifacts to Reformation documents.

Cultural Treasures: Gothic altarpieces, traditional costumes, and gold hoards.

Design & Innovation: Swiss watches, industrial design, and the original Gotthard Tunnel model.

Temporary Exhibits: Rotating themes (e.g., Swiss emigration, contemporary art).

Interactive & Family-Friendly Children’s Museum (Kindermuseum): Hands-on activities (costume dress-up, medieval games).

Audioguides: Free app with themed tours (English available).

Café & Shop Zunfthausrestaurant Pfalz: Traditional Swiss dishes in a historic guildhall (try the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes).

Museum Shop: Unique Swiss souvenirs (Alphorn CDs, Heidi books).

💰 Tickets & Practical Info Adults: CHF 10 (~€10)

Students/Children (under 16): Free

Audioguide: Free (download via app)

Open: Tue-Sun (10:00–17:00; Thu until 19:00)

🚇 Getting There Location: Literally beside Zürich HB (main train station).

Tram/Bus: All lines to "Zürich HB" (2-min walk).

👍 Pros ✔ Stunning architecture inside and out. ✔ Perfect for all ages (kids’ area + deep dives for adults). ✔ Central location—easy to combine with city exploring.

👎 Cons ✖ Some exhibits lack English descriptions (use the app). ✖ Temporary exhibitions cost extra.

⭐ Verdict: 4.8/5 A top-tier museum that makes Swiss history thrilling—whether you’re into Viking swords, watchmaking, or Instagrammable halls.

Best for: History buffs, families, and design lovers. Skip if: You prefer niche art (head to Kunsthaus Zürich instead).

Pro Tip: Visit Thursday evenings for fewer crowds and extended hours. Need a nearby lunch spot? Try Mensa Polyterrasse for budget eats with...

This museum is in a perfect spot right across from the train station! It covers the history of Switzerland and also has special exhibitions as well! First off, the building itself. It dates to the late 19th century and the style feels a bit like a chateau. There are lots of details on the outside so don't miss the chance to look up and peek! The current main special exhibition is on colonialism. It's quite a small space that does get busy as certain exhibits are more of a pinch point than others. I found it interesting, it reached more widely than others however possibly could have added more about the global context to explain more about how events developed. Certain artifacts are really quite unique and very interesting to see so well worth a look. Watch out with the layout of this exhibit- if you enter first, the natural exit takes you all the way back down to the first floor and you'll need to go back up to see the rest of it!

The main exhibits take a look at different parts of Swiss history from clocks to cheeses to dresses. It's quite a big museum with little rooms- the historical rooms salvaged from old buildings are fantastic with beautiful restorations and details in them. It's worth taking a map as you enter, just to make sure you don't miss anything! Don't miss the tower section, it has great views out of the little turret windows and quite a few rooms of historical items and clothing too!

The other thing to be aware of is, there are two special artifacts that you can't take any photos of (i.e. stand over you and make you delete it from your phone kinda can't). I don't know why, it's not immediately obvious (I.e. delicate fabrics) but the sign is really small and way below eye level so incredibly easy to miss and the staff, oh boy, it must happen a lot so they're very firm about it! The first one is the reclaimed stone memorial room and I think the second is close by FYI.

There's a cafe and bistro (very busy when I visited) and also a shop too. The shop has fantastic postcards in so if that's your thing, definitely visit! They are strict on bag sizes and there's a cloakroom and lockers in the basement for...

I had the pleasure of visiting the Landesmuseum Zurich, and I must say, it was an enchanting experience that left me in awe. This museum truly stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of Switzerland.

From the moment I stepped through the grand entrance, I was greeted by a meticulously curated collection that spans centuries. The impressive architecture of the museum itself is a sight to behold, seamlessly blending modern design with traditional elements. The interior layout is intuitive, guiding visitors through different periods and themes with ease.

What struck me the most was the diversity of exhibits. From prehistoric artifacts that unveiled the ancient past of the region to intricate displays showcasing Swiss craftsmanship, each section was a journey through time. The attention to detail in the way artifacts were presented, coupled with informative plaques, added depth to my understanding of Swiss heritage.

The Landesmuseum also excels in its interactive displays. I was able to engage with history through digital installations, enhancing my learning experience. Moreover, the museum's commitment to accessibility was evident, with facilities catering to all visitors, including those with special needs.

In conclusion, the Landesmuseum Zurich is a treasure trove of knowledge and an embodiment of Switzerland's rich tapestry. It's a place where history comes alive, where you can immerse yourself in the legacy of this beautiful nation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the past, this museum is an absolute must-visit. My visit left me inspired and appreciative of the deep-rooted heritage that has shaped Switzerland into what it is today.

Month of Visit :...