Housed in a castle-like building with a distinctive tower, The Swiss National Museum provides a fascinating look at Swiss culture and history and contains a comprehensive collection of artefacts from the Stone Age to modern times. There are works of art, everyday articles such as medieval drinking bowls and costumes, toys, a section on book-inscribing in the Middle Ages, carved altar pieces and stained glass windows from ancient convents and churches, and the wheels found in Zurich that are believed to be the first ever discovered. There is also an exhibit on Swiss clock making, and a weapons and armour display providing insight into methods of Swiss combat from 800 to 1800. Special exhibitions are held annually on themes relevant to Swiss society.
Address: Museumstrausse 2
Telephone: (01) 218 6511
Transport: Train to Zurich’s main station (Hauptbahnhof), or tram 3, 4, 5, 11, 13 or 14
Opening Time: Daily except Mondays from 10.30am to 5pm
Admission: Sfr5, concessions available. Special exhibitions Sfr8 – Sfr12.