Landesmuseum Zürich (Swiss National Museum)

The Landesmuseum is Switzerland's most visited museum of cultural history. It stands directly behind Zurich's main station, with its main courtyard opening onto Platzspitz park. Gustav Gull designed the historicist building, which opened on 25 June 1898, and between 2013 and 2016 the Basel architects Christ & Gantenbein added a modern new building in the inner courtyard. The renovation of the older wings was completed in 2020. The city approved 1.88 million francs for the original building in the 1890s; the recent extension and renovation together cost roughly 250 million francs, shared between the Confederation, the canton, the city and private donors.

The museum tells the story of Switzerland from prehistory to the present. The permanent History of Switzerland exhibition is the core of any visit, while the collections include Gothic carved altars and panel paintings, an armoury tower, a diorama of the Battle of Murten and a coin cabinet. Among the oldest pieces are a Palaeolithic baton engraved with wild horses and the gold bowl of Altstetten. Simply Zurich, on the upper floor of the historic building, focuses on the city itself and is free of charge, which makes it a good short visit if you only have half an hour before a train.

Temporary exhibitions change regularly, so check what is on before you go. Audio guides are available in several languages, either as a device or through the museum's app. The courtyard often hosts concerts and other events, and the shop is a good place for design objects made by Swiss craftspeople.

According to Zürich Tourism, the museum is closed on Mondays and open from 10:00 to 17:00 on other days, with different hours on holidays. Children under 16 enter free and Zürich Card holders also get free entry. Allow two hours for the permanent collection and one temporary exhibition. It suits families, history enthusiasts and anyone who wants context before exploring the rest of the country.

From the main station it is a one-minute walk: follow the signs for the Landesmuseum exit. Afterwards, take a stroll through Platzspitz park, or continue to the shops and market hall under the railway arches of Im Viadukt.