The best museums Switzerland

The Lake Geneva Museum presents the culture and nature of the lake in a fun and interactive way. Take a trip to an authentic fishing hut, aboard a lifeboat or on a steamboat. Relive the adventures of the Piccard family with the submarines and balloons that made them famous. Meet the people of the lake through a collection of model boats. Follow the adventures of a drop of water to discover the flora and fauna of the lake. Dream in front of the giant aquariums and the ballet of the fish of this region.

In the heart of a building with an innovative past (the former SIP industrial building), the contemporary art center showcases the full range of contemporary artistic culture (video, painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, music, architecture, design...). Its aim is to organize original exhibitions that anticipate current art trends, and to enable young artists in residence to develop their art. Through exhibitions and the Dynamo cinema, local and international artists invite the public to discover their unique and sometimes ephemeral work. The library, with its 3,000 books on contemporary art, is open to the public.

Housed in two neighbouring houses, the Buherre Hanisef house and the town hall, the museum retraces the history of the region in five areas, spread over the five floors of the building: the first two in the Buhere Hanisef house, the other three in the town hall. The museum begins with an overview of the history of tourism in the region, followed by a focus on handicrafts, including woodworking and cooperage, and several rooms devoted to regional history, embroidery and the role of the state.

Not far from the Ostfriedhof cemetery is the St. Gallen Botanical Garden, a beautiful and well-maintained place. To make the most of its treasures, a visit in spring is recommended. Around 8,000 plants from all over the world are presented to the public here. Divided into several sections, the garden is a place to relax, to meet, but also to learn. Indeed, many exhibitions and guided tours are organized to familiarize visitors.

This is a most unusual museum! The Museum of Beer Bottles in St. Gallen is the first of its kind in Switzerland. Here you will find Christian Bischof's impressive collection of over 3,000 bottles from 260 different breweries. The oldest samples, clay bottles, are over 140 years old. A visit is worthwhile for Swiss beer lovers and the curious.

The im Lagerhaus museum and its foundation have changed their name to Open Art Museum. They were founded in 1988 by a couple of collectors, with the aim of introducing visitors to many local artists from the Swiss naïve and outsider art scene. The exhibitions present different aspects of this " Outsider " art: art that fascinates through its plurality, its extraordinary content and its almost limitless creative richness. The exhibitions will appeal to lovers of contemporary art. There's a cosy little café on the first floor.

The Prestegg Museum in Altstätten is housed in an old house in Rabengasse and was founded in 1895. It was founded in 1895 and was restored at the end of the 1970s. Today it houses various collections on the history and traditions of the Rhine Valley. Various documents, but also furniture, handicrafts and religious art, as well as weapons, medals, coins and old musical instruments are on display.

The Kirchner Museum is a building of remarkable architecture. Inside are works by the painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It is the world's largest collection dedicated to this German Expressionist, who fell under the spell of Davos in 1917 and remained here until his death in 1938. The Kirchner Museum in Davos offers visitors the exceptional experience of imagining the artist at the very place of his creation, through different eras.

In the local Swiss dialect, a hüschi is a small house. The Nutli Hüschi in Klosters was built in 1565 by a certain Christian Nutli and today houses the town's museum. The regional museum in this former Walser farmhouse (the region's first inhabitants) dates from the 16th century and contains tools and furniture from the region's past. An opportunity to discover the traditional way of life of the time. A fascinating and instructive dive into the Switzerland of the past.

Located in the beautiful Haus Buol, the Rhaetian Museum tells the story of the town. It brings together archaeological, cultural and folkloric objects from the canton, covering periods from prehistory, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque and the ^19th century, right up to the ^20th century. The permanent exhibition is divided into several sections on different levels: archaeological discoveries, power and politics, the world of work, faith and knowledge.

Two completely different buildings make up the Museum of Fine Arts. One is very modern with concrete ornaments reminiscent of the fresco of the first building. The Bündner Kunstmuseum dates from the 1900s and tells the story of the life of the inhabitants of Graubünden. The culture and traditions of the local people are highlighted. Collections of Swiss artists from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the works of Angelika Kauffmann, illustrate the beautiful mansion.

Originally, three brothers joined forces to preserve musical instruments in the 1920s. Visiting this museum is a bit like opening a jewellery box... This enchanting museum houses some sixty exceptional pieces manufactured between 1750 and 1940. Your eyes will sparkle as you discover clocks, snuffboxes, dolls, mechanical musical instruments and old everyday crafts. The most emblematic element is the fairground organ from 1900 and an orchestra composed of ten different instruments.

Located on the listed site of the Grandes-Forges, in the heart of Vallorbe, this museum traces the history of the ore that brought prosperity to the town, but also of the railway, which also played an important role in the development of the region. You should not only see the forge in operation, with the panting of the paddle wheels, the rustling of the belts and the noise of the anvils, but also discover the epic of the railways in the Vaudois region presented on the upper floors.

The online travel guide presents the Valais Cantonal Museums in Sion. These museums include the Musée d'art du Valais, the Musée d'histoire du Valais and the Musée de la nature du Valais. Located in the upper old town of Sion, they offer visitors opportunities for discovery and enjoyment. The collections of these museums cover the entire cultural history of the Valais. The mission of the Cantonal Museums of the Valais is to assemble, conserve, study and make accessible to the public reference collections. The museums also maintain privileged relationships with other Valais cultural institutions, such as the Jardin alpin Flore-Alpe in Champex, the Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble, the Musée d'Isérables, the Musée des bisses in Ayent, the Musée du vin in Sierre and Salgesch, the Musée Olsommer in Veyras and the Lötschentaler Museum in Kippel.

Renovated in 2012, this museum presents a rich collection of antique clocks, from the 16th to the 19th century, and retraces the beginnings of watchmaking in the region. There is also a collection of Comtois clocks, restored by the students of the valley's technical school, future clockmakers, as well as watches created by valley companies in the 21st century. The renovation has modernised the space, which is now interactive and presents a watchmaking style that looks to the future.

This 16th-century manor house houses a museum of the Old Valais and of vine and wine, with interesting collections of traditional and ancient objects such as winegrowers' tools. Other rooms display paintings. But more earthly pleasures are also on offer thanks to the restaurant which serves opulent raclettes accompanied by the famous Valais wines which, after a visit to the museum, will no longer hold any secrets for you.

Located on the banks of the Tsittoret bisse, it can be reached by the Aminona cable car. The museum evokes life on the mountain pastures, with traditions such as the inalpe and desalpe, and local products (milk, butter, cheese). It is housed in three mayens (small traditional Valais houses) in the Crans-Montana region, which have been dismantled and rebuilt according to traditional architectural rules. Next door: a visitor center with restaurant and terrace.

If you want to know everything about the specific wines of the Valais, here is a huge cellar where you can discover all the aspects of wine making. From the reception of the grape harvest to the bottling process and to finish the visit in the oenotheque where you will taste a selection of wines according to the chosen formula. Here you will be shown everything up to the wine ageing cellar where the oak barrels rest. Tradition, technology and respect for the environment are the key words of this establishment. Various Swiss AOC grape varieties are represented, more than 500 wines to taste or buy.

Important scientific collections which are a reference for the identification of species present in Valais and the Alps: about 3 500 rocks and minerals, 650 fossils, 20 000 plants in Valais and 3 500 animals.

The Théâtre de Beausobre offers an extensive programme of concerts and shows of all kinds: theatre, humor, magic, musical theatre, song, world music, opera, gospel… In May-June, the theatre hosts an international comedy festival, Morges-sous-Rire, very popular.

A walk in the heart of nature! Unique in Switzerland, the Arboretum is a vast park featuring 4,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs from every continent that can be acclimatized in this beautiful region. In the heart of the park, the Musée du Bois houses a collection of woodworking tools. Tools for carpenters, winnowers, luthiers and clog makers are among the 1,500 exhibits in the 6,000-strong collection.

The second floor of the château (where the historical museum is located) is devoted to the many souvenirs of past winegrowers' festivals: costumes, models, flags, archives, films, engravings, photographs... perfect for immersing yourself in this original tradition of Vevey life. It's also here that the brotherhood's council meets to prepare for future festivities, notably the famous Fête des Vignerons, which takes place about once every twenty years.

After the war, this ^16th-century residence, threatened with demolition, was saved by a bank and became home to Vevey's historical museum, as well as the Confrérie des Vignerons, which took over ownership in 1986. The building was restored, in particular the roof structure, where suitcases and other objects belonging to the various residents were discovered. Eight exhibition rooms, alternating regional themes and original collections.

In the heart of the city of Interlaken stands this small, soothing and unexpected park: a Japanese garden. Created in 1995 by a landscape architect from the Japanese twin town of Otsu, this Japanischer Garten is the first in Switzerland. In this small space, a beautiful harmony emerges between minerals and plants. A nice walk in a gentle place, which symbolizes the friendship between the two cities, Interlaken and Otsu. To be visited in spring to enjoy the colours of the season.

This is a museum for the whole family! In this playful place, you can follow the development of tourism in the region over the last 200 years on three floors. The presentation is made in a humorous way. You will discover the custom of the Kiltgang, or night visit of young boys to young girls, with compulsory passage through the window. Apparently typical of the canton of Bern, the custom seems to have been exported widely!

Housed in a former hotel, this museum boasts an interesting permanent collection of works by Swiss pop, landscape and contemporary artists. These include Swiss masters Lory, Aberli, Lafond and Wocher, as well as ^19th- and^20th-century artists such as Ferdinand Hodler, Cuno Amiet, René Auberjonois and Paul Klee. The ticket can be combined with the Thun Panorama, featuring 360° panoramas painted by a ^19th-century painter from Basel, Marquard Wocher.

Founded in 1990 in the former Biel City Hospital, the Centre d'art Pasquart programs innovative temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and film screenings around this theme. The museum boasts a collection of over 1,800 works by 130 artists, including Clare Goodwin, Rachel Lumsden and Susan Morris. The museum's spacious layout makes it easy to move around the works. Guided tours are regularly organized in French. Bilingual workshops for children aged 5 to 11. Attentive welcome.

In front of the head office of the famous biennoise watchmaking company, this museum invites you behind the scenes and the history of this logo with the presentation of numerous objects, documents and evidence.

In 1891, after a duel with Professor Moriarty(The Last Problem), Conan Doyle decided to kill his famous hero by throwing him into the Reichenbach Falls. As the world's most famous detective is not so easily discarded, Sir Arthur was forced to resurrect him for other adventures, but this episode was well worth a museum. Built on the site of a former English church, it houses a reconstruction of the famous drawing room at 221b Baker Street, with hundreds of authentic exhibits to delight fans.

This museum covers, in four languages, everything about the Alps: its history, culture and traditions, its fauna and flora, its place in art, Alpine sports... It also offers temporary exhibitions on environmental issues and sustainable development throughout the year. The museum deals with the most famous ascents and the life of men in alpine country. Photos and commentaries are used to support the temporary exhibitions. On the site, you will find the complete program to come. A restaurant awaits you on site.

It all started with the small bird library and a natural cabinet in the main library. Thanks to patrons, the collection has grown! The most important collection in Europe, presented in a diorama, with 226 display cases. European mammals and exotic birds are displayed in their natural environment. There is also a collection of precious stones. Barry, the Great Saint Bernard who died in 1814, is a favourite with visitors.

The Design Museum has moved to a second location (the first location was on Ausstellungsstrasse in the modern city) in the Toni-Areal in the trendy Zurich West district. The museum offers beautiful exhibitions on design, visual communication, media, photography and architecture. In particular, the museum's collections from its archives are of international importance: posters, graphic art, decorative arts, etc. since the beginning of industrialization. Workshops are also offered.

Opened to the public in 1952, the museum consists of three period villas (one of which was inhabited by the famous composer Richard Wagner) and its park (the Rieterpark), one of the most beautiful in the city. In 2002, a modern extension was added to the museum's traditional architecture (increasing its size by 125%): the exhibition rooms are located in a green glass pavilion called the Emerald. The museum offers a panorama of non-European art and houses treasures from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania.

Founded in 1886 by the Commercial Corporation, a kind of chamber of commerce, this museum is dedicated to the textile tradition of the city and Eastern Switzerland. The museum manages a collection of 56,000 objects. Donations from wealthy manufacturers enable the museum to exhibit some very fine collections of lace and embroidery. The museum organizes two to three thematic exhibitions a year, complementing the permanent exhibition. It also offers an extensive program of events, educational activities and a gift store.

Founded in 1921 with the collections of the Historical Society of the Canton of St. Gallen, it is the most important museum of the history of civilization in Eastern Switzerland. It consists of a History Museum and an Ethnological Museum. The former houses documents relating to the history of the town and the canton, as well as refurbished period rooms (notably the Prince-Abbot's Room). The second houses the collection brought back from all over by the city's merchants.

This art museum was built in 1877, at the end of the classicist period, to house a collection of art objects assembled by the Art Society founded in 1827. It mainly brings together works from the 19th and 20th centuries. The paintings of the Munich Academy, which had a strong influence on Swiss painters, are widely exhibited. Through successive additions to the collection, the museum has been enriched with works from the German and French schools, and later with works inspired by Alpine life.

Housed in the grounds of the Abbey of Tous-les-Saints, this magnificent cloister is home to so many collections that it could be a historical museum, a religious museum, a natural history museum and a fine arts museum all in one! Founded in 1049 as a Benedictine monastery, it has now become a place of culture and learning. Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions are held alongside permanent collections on a wide range of themes. During your visit, don't miss the kitchen garden, whose reputation is well established. A must-see!

The Natural History Museum of Lucerne is a lively and interactive museum located near the river Reuss on the Kasernenplatz. The permanent exhibitions "Earth Sciences", "Biology" and "The Wonderful World of Insects" highlight the biodiversity of Central Switzerland and focus on its history and prehistory. These permanent exhibitions are on three floors and are complemented by attractive temporary exhibitions. To be discovered with the whole family.

Housed in the imposing Palace of Culture and Congress (KKL) designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this fine arts museum occupies the top floor. It covers a pictorial period stretching from the ^16th century to the present day, with a particular focus on^19th-century Swiss landscapes, expressionism and contemporary art. Covering an area of 2,100^m2, the museum features three simultaneous exhibitions in a modern scenography with sophisticated lighting.

Discover contemporary art since 1872 at the Kunsthalle. The Kunsthalle Basel is a worldwide reference for the latest trends in contemporary art. Since its renovation by renowned architects Miller & Maranta in 2004, it has also housed the Museum of Architecture, a place dedicated to exploring the captivating themes of architecture and urbanism, offering a unique immersive experience. Enjoy a restaurant with terrace overlooking the Tinguley fountain for the full experience.

The legacy of the wealthy industrialist and collector family Sidney and Jenny Brown-Sulzer has enabled Baden to offer, in a charming white and green house, a remarkable collection of French impressionist artists, to which some 18th century works are added. In this sublime museum opened in 1990, the work of great artists (notably Renoir and Cézanne) can be admired in a pleasant setting (collection of 18th and 19th century furniture), for a visit that cannot be recommended enough.

A small journey into Swiss pictorial art since the th century, with works by Caspar Wolf, Johann Heinrich Füssli, Arnold Böcklin and th century landscape designers. The extension, built in 2003 by Herzog architects and Meuron, houses a collection representative of the history of modern art, from the early twentieth century to the abstract art of post-war art and the artistic effervescence of the 1960 s to the present.

This museum, housed in a mégalithe tower that was part of the castle (th-xii), is a walk in local history (habitat, crafts, etc.). The refinement of its interiors contrasts sharply with its exterior aspect.

There is hardly anything visible from the old castle, however, the Schützenhaus rococo building of 1752 and the former Zeughaus armoury of 1710, in immediate proximity, have been preserved. The traditional Landsgemeinde (show voting) of Obwald was here.

Interesting historical museum if you want to deepen your knowledge of the region, but which has no major interest.

The Kantonales Museum für Urgeschichte or the Museum of Prehistory in Zug opened its doors in 1997 and was expanded in 2003. This young institution recalls the everyday life of the time, with life-size scenes and numerous models of settlements, all made clearer by texts. The exhibitions retrace the six important periods of history, from the Paleolithic to the High Middle Ages, through an interactive tour.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Zug exhibits contemporary works with an emphasis on Swiss surrealism and fantasy art, but not only. The variety of works is impressive, as is the quality of the exhibitions, which are numerous throughout the year. During your visit, you can admire the most important collection of modern Viennese artists, of which Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele are the main representatives. A must-see for the whole family.

Located on the edge of the old town of Zug, the building underwent extensive restoration work between 1979 and 1982. Since then, Zug Castle has become a museum of cultural history for the city and canton of Zug. The building, which was originally built in the Middle Ages (early 13th century), now has a more baroque appearance. The museum bears witness to the town's past in three main areas: religious life (statues, etc.), the bourgeoisie (furnishings, costumes, portraits, etc.) and craftsmanship (goldsmiths, pewter, clocks, etc.).

The Vitznau-Rigi Regional Museum is housed in a former school building with soft colours and green shutters. The museum is dedicated to the history of the construction of Europe's first mountain railway, the Vitznau-Rigi Railway. The museum also deals with other themes such as the development of tourism in the community and the major stages of navigation on Lake Lucerne. Fun and games!

The Federal Charter Museum is dedicated to the Confederation, presented in two ways: the history of the old Confederation and the myths associated with it. The famous Federal Charter signed on August¹, 1291 between the cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden is at the heart of this exhibition, which also features the Grütli Oath (1307), the story of William Tell (1307), the battles of Morgarten (1315) and Marignan (1515), and the Brunnen Pact (1315).