The best museums in Basel in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Basel, Switzerland, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Basel, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Basel.

Looking for the best museums in Basel? These are the best ones:

  1. Museum of Cultures1

    Museum of Cultures

     Basel
    The Museum of Cultures in Basel, Switzerland, is an ethnographic museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts. These artifacts originate from various regions around the world, including Europe, the South Pacific, Mesoamerica, Tibet, and Bali. This diverse collection offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and understand different cultures and their histories.
  2. Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche2

    Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche

     Basel
    The Basel Historical Museum, which opened in 1892, is recognized as one of the largest and most significant museums of its kind in Switzerland. It is also a heritage site of national importance, making it a notable destination for those interested in Swiss history and culture.
  3. Tinguely Museum3

    Tinguely Museum

     Basel
    The Tinguely Museum in Basel is an art museum dedicated to the life and works of the artist Jean Tinguely. It features a permanent exhibition that provides an in-depth look into Tinguely's artistic journey. Visitors can explore a variety of his works, gaining insight into his creative process and the evolution of his style.
  4. Zoo Basel4

    Zoo Basel

     Basel
    Zoo Basel, colloquially known as Zolli, is a significant landmark in Basel, Switzerland. It holds the distinction of being the oldest zoo in the country, having opened its doors to the public in 1847. This long history adds a unique charm to the zoo, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in wildlife and history.
  5. Toy Worlds Museum Basel5

    Toy Worlds Museum Basel

     Basel
  6. Cartoonmuseum Basel6

    Cartoonmuseum Basel

     Basel
    The Cartoonmuseum Basel is a unique institution in Switzerland, being the only museum dedicated solely to the art of narrative drawing. This includes a wide range of forms such as comics, graphic novels, cartoons, satirical drawings, and animated films. It's a place where visitors can explore the world of narrative drawing in all its diversity.
  7. Anatomical Museum of the University of Basel7

    Anatomical Museum of the University of Basel

     Basel
    The Anatomical Museum Basel, situated in the Swiss city of Basel, is a unique destination for those interested in human anatomy. The museum showcases original specimens and wax models of various human body parts and organs. These exhibits provide a detailed and comprehensive view of the human body, making it an educational and intriguing visit for all.
  8. Natural History Museum of Basel8

    Natural History Museum of Basel

     Basel
    The Natural History Museum Basel, also known as the 'Archive of Life', is a natural history museum located in Basel. It was founded in 1821 and has been in its current location at Augustinergasse since 1849. The museum covers most areas of natural sciences and its mission is to expand, preserve, research, document, and communicate the natural science collections.
  9. Fine Arts Museum Basel9

    Fine Arts Museum Basel

     Basel
    The Kunstmuseum Basel houses the world's oldest public art collection and is widely regarded as Switzerland's most important art museum. Its lineage traces back to the Amerbach Cabinet, which included a collection of works by Hans Holbein that were purchased by the city of Basel and the University of Basel in 1661, making it the world's first municipal and thus publicly accessible museum.
  10. Museum Kleines Klingental10

    Museum Kleines Klingental

     Basel
    The Museum Kleines Klingental, located in Basel, is housed in the original building of the former Klingental nunnery, which dates back to 1274. The museum was established in 1938/39 and was initially known as the "City and Cathedral Museum". This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  11. Skulpturhalle Basel11

    Skulpturhalle Basel

     Basel
    The Skulpturhalle Basel is a museum located in Basel, Switzerland, that specializes in the display of casts of ancient sculptures and statues. This unique museum offers visitors the opportunity to view and appreciate the beauty and intricacy of ancient art forms, providing a glimpse into the past through these carefully preserved pieces.
  12. Basel Historical Museum – Haus zum Kirschgarten12

    Basel Historical Museum – Haus zum Kirschgarten

     Basel
    The Haus zum Kirschgarten, located on Elisabethenstrasse in Basel, Switzerland, is a city palace that is currently used by the Historical Museum of Basel. This grand building, with its rich history and architectural significance, serves as a cultural hub for visitors and locals alike.
  13. University of Basel Botanical Garden13

    University of Basel Botanical Garden

     Basel
    The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, founded in 1589, is a public botanical garden located in Basel. It holds the distinction of being the oldest botanical garden in Switzerland. The garden is part of the Botanical Institute of the University of Basel and is adjacent to it. It is open all year round and offers a variety of plantations and four greenhouses.
  14. Botanical Garden14

    Botanical Garden

     Basel
    The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, located in Basel, is a public botanical garden that was established in 1589. This makes it the oldest botanical garden in Switzerland. The garden is part of the Botanical Institute of the University of Basel and is adjacent to it. It is open all year round and consists of an outdoor area with various plantings and four greenhouses.
  15. Tierpark Lange Erlen15

    Tierpark Lange Erlen

     Basel
    The Tierpark Lange Erlen is a wildlife park located in the city of Basel. It covers an area of about 20 hectares in the Lange Erlen riverside forest on the southern bank of the Wiese River. This location provides a natural and serene environment for the animals and a unique experience for visitors.
  16. Basel Historical Museum – Musikmuseum16

    Basel Historical Museum – Musikmuseum

     Basel
  17. Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel17

    Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel

     Basel
    The Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel, founded in 1924 by Josef Anton Häfliger, is a unique institution that provides a comprehensive look into the history of remedies and their production. The museum houses one of the world's largest and most significant collections of pharmacy-related objects, making it a unique destination in Switzerland. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including pharmacy ceramics, entire pharmacy furnishings, an alchemist's laboratory, mortars, travel pharmacies, books, and medicines from earlier times.
  18. Feuerwehrmuseum Basel18

    Feuerwehrmuseum Basel

     Basel
    The Feuerwehrmuseum Basel is a unique destination that offers a deep dive into the history of firefighting. The museum's exhibits, some of which are on permanent loan from the Historical Museum Basel, date back to the 13th century. This provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of firefighting techniques and equipment over the centuries.
  19. Swiss Architecture Museum19

    Swiss Architecture Museum

     Basel
    The Swiss Architecture Museum, also known as S AM, is a significant cultural institution located in Basel, Switzerland. Established in 1984, the museum has been a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions that focus on current and controversial themes in international architecture and urbanism discourse.
  20. Jewish Museum of Switzerland20

    Jewish Museum of Switzerland

     Basel
    The Jewish Museum of Switzerland, located in Basel, serves as the national museum for Jewish religious and everyday history of Switzerland. It provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish life and culture in the country, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum's collection includes ritual objects, art, and everyday items from Judaism, offering visitors a unique insight into the rich and diverse history of the Jewish community in Switzerland.

All museums in Basel