Landesmuseum
Landesmuseum
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The National Museum enjoys a central position just a minute’s walk from the main railway station in Zurich. The museum is one of the attractions of this city on the River Limmat. Gustav Gull’s listed building from the 19th century has been extended with the addition of a new building designed by architects Christ & Gantenbein and completed in summer 2016. The museum showcases the history of Switzerland from its early beginnings until the present day in permanent exhibitions. Every year, there are also several temporary exhibitions and an impressive fringe programme, offering everything from debates to workshops.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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How to get there
- Zurich Central Station • 2 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- JohnUKLondon, United Kingdom1,103 contributionsReally well presented.Fantastic Museum with lots to see. We especially enjoyed the period rooms with their panelled walls and painted ceilings. The new Archaeological section was very well displayed. The History of Switzerland gallery was very good but somehow we managed to view it in reverse chronological order! The staff were very helpful. All the exhibits had English captions.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 September 2023
- Alby300 contributionsOne of the best museums in ZurichOne of the best museums we went to while we are in Zurich. The exhibitions are perfectly displayed and it was very nice to learn more about the history of Switzerland, both the past and present. I also loved how they explained their history in both a neutral and unbiased view, very realistic (as Switzerland is). I definitely recommend to visit it.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 December 2023
- Hermes_NL 🇳🇱Amsterdam, The Netherlands21,575 contributionsVery spacious museum with a nice bistroThe nicest exhibits are probably the authentic historical rooms which have been transplanted into the museum. Also some of the pieces pertaining to Swiss history are nice (and very attractively displayed). You have to like the brutalistic concrete extension of the museum, but well done in its kind. The admission is not high at CHF 10 and the associated bistro is very pleasant.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 12 December 2023
- AngusMilly231 contributionsOutstanding museum - Swiss history, evolution of languages, archaeology…This museum is exceptionally well curated and not to be missed. Go to the “history” area first for a full story of Switzerland, with a whole room dedicated to each century (from medieval times until today) and multiple historic displays complete with stories about those people and times. After that there is some more historical stuff (religious artefacts, paintings, scientific instruments, the oldest globe known in Switzerland…) followed by an archaeological exhibition and a modern audio-guided area explaining the evolution of the 4 language used in Switzerland today. We didn’t have time to go to all the exhibitions or do anything but the historical area in detail, but it was well worth the time spent. I think those people who complain about there being no stories have missed the historical part… the historical exhibition is excellent with multiple stories and exhibits expertly guiding you through the history or Switzerland.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 January 2024
- Paul S10 contributionsVery interesting displaysThis museum goes on and on and on..........but not in a boring way! Very engaging presentation such as 'virtual history books' and fashion exhibitions. Everything you need to know about Switzerland is here even if there isn't much about cuckoo clocks, unless I missed that section! You do really need a couple of hours to do it justice, not the 45 minutes we were thereVisited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 February 2024
- Snowball's adventureBarnet, United Kingdom7,093 contributionsDisappointedWe visited the Swiss National Museum on our last day of our trip. To be honest, we were expecting a lot more as there weren't much displays about the Swiss history, we had been to many National museums in Europe but this one was definitely not one of the best. We had Swiss Travel Passes so it's free entry. We only stayed there for 45 minutes. Not really our cup of tea afterall...Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2024
- Fullcrug MZurich, Switzerland10 contributionsoutstandingOverall I liked it and found a lot of it interesting. The cost was pretty good for the amount of content. The layout was a little bit confusing. I would recommend visiting while in Zurich. The best part for me was the augmented reality and visual interactive displays. The use of modern technology to help enhance experience was outstanding.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 May 2024
- BonnieWytheville, Virginia12 contributionsThe Swiss travel pass includes entry here!The first part of the museum covers a lot of the history of where people from other countries settled in Switzerland. It was very interesting. The next section covered a lot about the evolving religion and how it effected the culture. We had hoped for more information on the procedures of government, economy, etc. and how it effects the population today.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 May 2024
- AthinaM_AlAthens, Greece368 contributionsDecent National MuseumDidn't think the entrance fee was worth it until we found the upper floors with the middle age/18-19th century things. Okay, we didn't expect a history like Rome or Athens, but it was enough to see. The exhibition of body in the middle ages was also interesting. Lockers with a 2 fr. Coin needed to work, clean toilet.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 May 2024
- Phil HColumbia, Maryland140 contributionsExcellent use of a few hours in Zurich - explains the country history in a concise wayWent there for a few hours with my grandson as we had 8 hour layover at the Zurich Airport. It is an easy train ride to the central station. The Museum is right there at the station, just find and follow signs. It is also easy to walk to the lake and have a look at the delightful town. The Museum provides a concise history of how Switzerland came about and evolved. If you visit Zurich, you really should give the Museum 1-2 hours and learn about the people and history of Switzerland. Recommended.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 June 2024
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4.0
1,350 reviews
Excellent
590
Very good
480
Average
201
Poor
46
Terrible
33
Conor01
Newry, UK303 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
From the outside this has to be one if the most stunning buildings in Zurich. When you enter it lives up to thar impression. Entry costs €10 per adult and that's very good value given the range of exhibits one can explore and/or interact with.
Two things were very impressive about this museum firstly the modern extension was purposely left modern looking rather than trying to blend in with the old and secondly the blend of traditional exhibits and technology with the later used to enhance the exhibits rather than overtake them
Definitely worth a visit. Ideal spot for a Sunday
Two things were very impressive about this museum firstly the modern extension was purposely left modern looking rather than trying to blend in with the old and secondly the blend of traditional exhibits and technology with the later used to enhance the exhibits rather than overtake them
Definitely worth a visit. Ideal spot for a Sunday
Written 9 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara
Lisbon, Portugal13 contributions
Aug 2020
This museum is one of the highlights of my trip to Zurich. It contains very informative and interactive exhibitions about Switzerland, covering archaeology, history, science and literature. Together these exhibitions really help the visitors understand the country and its people. The temporary exhibitions were also very interesting - despite it seeming a bit random at first, I enjoyed a lot the exhibition about nuns.
I entered the museum thinking I would spend around 2 hours and ended up spending double. But I was so entertained that time just flew by. I recommend this museum to anyone who wants to know more about Switzerland!
I entered the museum thinking I would spend around 2 hours and ended up spending double. But I was so entertained that time just flew by. I recommend this museum to anyone who wants to know more about Switzerland!
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RjessMMM
Vancouver, WA561 contributions
Dec 2021
We really enjoyed visiting this museum. The history of Switzerland was told in so many ways. Near the entrance there were books that had a projection from the ceiling would shine upon to tell a story of Switzerland. It was unique and very creative. Many items had language pads in front of them so you could choose the language and read about what you were interested in. The technology for this museum was amazing and interactive. There were numerous rooms that were broken down and recreated that were incredibly ornate and would cost a bloody fortune now. I would just take your time wandering from room to room and take in what interests you. There is a cafe as part of this though our attempt to eat there was a failure. Oh well. May be next time. Enjoy.
Written 24 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DarylJ552
Carlsbad, CA3,405 contributions
Jul 2023
We walked to the Landesmuseum from our hotel and paid 10 Swiss Francs each to get in. The museum has several floors of exhibits and we spent most of our 2 hours in the Swiss history section. The exhibits were very interesting and we went to the museum cafe and had a beer and ginger ale before leaving.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermes_NL 🇳🇱
Amsterdam, The Netherlands21,575 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
The nicest exhibits are probably the authentic historical rooms which have been transplanted into the museum. Also some of the pieces pertaining to Swiss history are nice (and very attractively displayed). You have to like the brutalistic concrete extension of the museum, but well done in its kind. The admission is not high at CHF 10 and the associated bistro is very pleasant.
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maym123
Highland, MI1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
Unless you’re into trees, or random books written by Swiss people, then you’re going to dread this place. It has no chronological order, terrible signage for directing you to actual historic exhibits, and the gift shop was like a crappy pop up shop you would find in a hipster street side market.
Upon walking in, there was a bunch of old books (and by old I don’t mean old I mean like 1980..) written by Swiss people about stuff that has nothing to do with history. Yes you can learn about their tax brackets (woo hoo) then go into the next room to look at a bunch of photos taken for some competitions. No history.
Then we walked up a MASSIVE flight of stairs into what seemed like an exhibit about the different plant and tree species which was kinda cool..for 2 seconds. I wanted to learn about the founding of Switzerland, the forming of the Cantons, the castles, even food culture! But no I was taken through a maze which then lead to a “gift shop” full of literal recycled garbage made of cardboard and like 60% feminist books. It was actually hard to find stuff that said Switzerland or even had a Swiss flag on it. Oh but you could buy a cardboard sword or a $130 recycled tote bag. Burn your money instead.
Upon walking in, there was a bunch of old books (and by old I don’t mean old I mean like 1980..) written by Swiss people about stuff that has nothing to do with history. Yes you can learn about their tax brackets (woo hoo) then go into the next room to look at a bunch of photos taken for some competitions. No history.
Then we walked up a MASSIVE flight of stairs into what seemed like an exhibit about the different plant and tree species which was kinda cool..for 2 seconds. I wanted to learn about the founding of Switzerland, the forming of the Cantons, the castles, even food culture! But no I was taken through a maze which then lead to a “gift shop” full of literal recycled garbage made of cardboard and like 60% feminist books. It was actually hard to find stuff that said Switzerland or even had a Swiss flag on it. Oh but you could buy a cardboard sword or a $130 recycled tote bag. Burn your money instead.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SanCarlosKate
2 contributions
Jul 2021
The Landesmuseum is my favorite history museum in Europe. (The Imperial War Museum in London runs a close second.) The exhibits are amazing, especially the archaeology section on the lower level. If you're a museum lover, as I am, the instructional quality of this exhibit will knock your socks off.
We took our kids (11/16) and they were just as in awe of the exhibits as we were.
We took our kids (11/16) and they were just as in awe of the exhibits as we were.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akshaya S
Noida, India520 contributions
Jun 2023
If you are interested in knowing about the history of places/cities/countries which you visit, this is a must have for understanding history for Switzerland. The museum has some permanent exhibits and some ongoing exhibitions all the time. The interactivity part of the museum makes it more interesting to go through and would keep you engaged. During my visit there, a interesting exhibition about 175 years of constitution was going on along with other exhibitions. It was very informative.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngusMilly
231 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This museum is exceptionally well curated and not to be missed. Go to the “history” area first for a full story of Switzerland, with a whole room dedicated to each century (from medieval times until today) and multiple historic displays complete with stories about those people and times. After that there is some more historical stuff (religious artefacts, paintings, scientific instruments, the oldest globe known in Switzerland…) followed by an archaeological exhibition and a modern audio-guided area explaining the evolution of the 4 language used in Switzerland today. We didn’t have time to go to all the exhibitions or do anything but the historical area in detail, but it was well worth the time spent. I think those people who complain about there being no stories have missed the historical part… the historical exhibition is excellent with multiple stories and exhibits expertly guiding you through the history or Switzerland.
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania36,721 contributions
Dec 2022
A rather large and interesting museum, housed in a mix of old and new buildings. The old building is very beautiful.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions, old weapons, watches and jewelry, clothing items from the past, some rooms furnished as in the old days, old household items, etc. Really impressive the collection of rings, there are several hundreds, each more beautiful than the other.
The minus would be a not very good organization of the rooms, so that the visit to be easy, without the risk of missing any section. You need a map to try to follow a coherent route.
Also among the minuses, I would put the poor lighting of some exhibits, which makes it difficult to admire them, and even more difficult to photograph.
You need about 3 hours to visit it.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions, old weapons, watches and jewelry, clothing items from the past, some rooms furnished as in the old days, old household items, etc. Really impressive the collection of rings, there are several hundreds, each more beautiful than the other.
The minus would be a not very good organization of the rooms, so that the visit to be easy, without the risk of missing any section. You need a map to try to follow a coherent route.
Also among the minuses, I would put the poor lighting of some exhibits, which makes it difficult to admire them, and even more difficult to photograph.
You need about 3 hours to visit it.
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! Approximately how long does the average visitor spend at the museum?
Written 7 February 2020
You can cover this museum in 2-4 hours easily.
Written 8 February 2020
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Wednesday 10AM–5PM
Thursday 10AM–7PM
Friday 10AM–5PM
Saturday 10AM–5PM
Sunday 10AM–5PM
Written 9 August 2018
Is it free entry on Wednesdays? If not is it cheaper if you are 70?
Written 1 February 2017
Hey,
I'm planning to visit the Landesmuseum on the last day of my stay in Zurich and then directly take a bus from the Central Station, in which case I'd have to take my luggage with me. As I won't be backpacking, I'd probably be with a standard 30kg check-in bag. Would I be able to store it in the museum while I visit it?
Written 25 November 2016
I know that I am late to answer, but I would like to add that if the lockers at the museum are not large enough to hold your bag - the train/bus station is just across the street. They have lockers for bags as well.
Written 1 March 2017
Is admission free with the Zurichcard?
Written 21 November 2016
LandesmuseumZurich
Zurich, Switzerland
Yes, admission to the National Museum is free with the ZurichCard. We look forward to your visit!
Written 22 November 2016
Unfortuantelly the museum do not have a free parking. You can choose a car park that would be nearby the museum which is situated near the main station. You can search "parking zuerich" or "parking zürich" on the web.
Best regards
Miriam
Written 30 September 2016
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