We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 124 Zurich Attractions »

Swiss National Museum

Museumstrasse 2, Zurich 8023, Switzerland
41 (0)44 218 65 11
As featured in 3 days in Zurich and 1 other guide
Ranked #13 of 65 attractions in Zurich
4.0 of 5 stars 45 Reviews
Type: History Museums
Fee: Yes
Description: Situated in an historic castle, this museum displays a collection of interesting artifacts from throughout Swiss history.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

45 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    21
    17
    4
    1
    2
Date Rating
New York City, New York
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Very nice explanation by the museum docent, this all-about-Switzerland exhibit on the first day of our visit realy helped in understanding the people and their culture. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by sysron for Zurich
Bucuresti, Bucuresti, Romania
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

It was an exciting experience, even if i visited it alone and i thought i would be bored to tears, it was a very well organized, very modern museum. I'd visit again More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Miruna Elena B for Zurich
Canberra
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
61 helpful votes 61 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Excellent displays and good information, often in four languages. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Oslo
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The Swiss National Museum really tells the story of Switzerland becoming a nation. The section focusing specifically on the national history is full of interesting details presented in a logical and persuasive way. As a consequence of of visit, we had to surf the internet for further info, which is a good sign of impact. Only negative point was that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by BoAOslo for Zurich
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The National Museum is every thing Swiss!! It traces the history of Switzerland from Roman times to modern day. It covers settlement and governance, immigration and emigration, inventions and industry, politics, banking, furniture, historic rooms, religion, and fashion. It is easy to spend 2-3 hours here. Currently there is an exhibit on Swiss Press Photography since 1940. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by RatherBSkiin for Zurich
Lisbon, Portugal
Top Contributor
81 reviews 81 reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
412 helpful votes 412 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Here they don't try to disguise facts. Very extensive museum,if you are really interested in Swiss origins take a day to leran it... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by ordep for Zurich
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Worth seeing on your first day. Gives a great overview of Swiss history and how they came to be what they are today. Deals with the social and economic issues in hostorical context as well. Interestingly laid out and conveniently situated. Keep your coat if you are there in cooler months, as some of the galleries are not well heated. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Francofile1 for Zurich
Brussels, R?on de Bruxelles-Capitale, Belgium
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2012

An interesting dive to Swiss and medieval to modern continental European history. I liked the way the shows were displayed and the fact that the different aspects of the society are displayed but I was not exhausted by details of everything. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Philotei for Zurich
skg
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 February 2012

The museum is very good, with very good pieces of art! The exhibits are very well shown, with proper lighting and with great atmosphere! Dont miss it if you pass by Zürich More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Demetrius C for Zurich
Andover, MA
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012
3
people found this review helpful

I visited the Swiss National Museum after arriving to Zurich early on a Sunday morning after an overnight flight from the US. Needed something to do during the day to keep me awake and kill a Sunday in Zurich. With winter temperatures at around 10 degrees F, definitely wanted to stay indoors. This museum was the perfect choice. It has... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by NYGuyInMass for Zurich

Travellers who viewed Swiss National Museum also viewed

Old Town (Altstadt)
4.5 of 5 stars 193 Reviews
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich Toy Museum
4.5 of 5 stars 13 Reviews
Zurich, Switzerland
 
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
4.5 of 5 stars 108 Reviews
Zurich, Switzerland
Bahnhofstrasse
4 of 5 stars 203 Reviews
Zurich, Switzerland
 

Been to Swiss National Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Swiss National Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's