All ancient art museums to visit in Switzerland

Step back in time with the fascinating collections of 20 ancient art museums in Switzerland. Marvel at artifacts, sculptures, and relics from ancient civilizations that tell the story of human history.

Do you have a fascination with ancient history and art? These are the top ancient art museums in Switzerland:

  1. Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)1

    Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)

     Zurich
    The Kunsthaus Zürich is the largest art museum in Switzerland in terms of area. It is home to one of the most significant art collections in the country, which has been assembled over time by the local art association, Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on Swiss art.
  2. Museum of Art and history2

    Museum of Art and history

     Geneva
    The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, or the Museum of Art and History, is the largest art museum in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering a vast collection of art and historical artifacts. The museum's size and extensive collection make it a notable destination for art and history enthusiasts visiting Geneva.
  3. Rath Museum3

    Rath Museum

     Geneva
    The Rath Museum, located in Geneva, Switzerland, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It initially housed a variety of collections, including 23 paintings from the Louvre, which were originally kept in the town hall, Calabri, and Saint-Germain church. These collections were moved to the Museum of Art and History of Geneva when it opened in 1910.
  4. Museum of Fine Arts Bern4

    Museum of Fine Arts Bern

     Bern
    The Museum of Fine Arts Bern, also known as Kunstmuseum, is a public institution situated in the city of Bern, Switzerland. The museum's primary focus is on Western artistic production, offering a comprehensive insight into various art forms and periods.
  5. Schutzbauten Welschdörfli5

    Schutzbauten Welschdörfli

     Chur
    Visitors to the Schutzbauten can view the Roman architectural evidence and wall paintings, as well as finds from the Neolithic to the Roman era. These historical artifacts provide a glimpse into the past, offering insights into the lives and cultures of the people who once inhabited the region.
  6. Coninx-Museum6

    Coninx-Museum

     Zurich
    The collection of the Coninx Museum, which was built between 1945 and 1980, was diverse and extensive. It included Swiss figurative art of the 19th and 20th centuries, international print graphics, works by old masters, African tribal art, and Far Eastern art.
  7. Fine Arts Museum Basel7

    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.
  8. Oskar Reinhart collection Am Römerholz8

    Oskar Reinhart collection Am Römerholz

     Winterthur
    The Sammlung Oskar Reinhart "Am Römerholz" is an art museum situated in the Swiss city of Winterthur. The museum is located in the former residence of Oskar Reinhart, a prominent art collector who lived from 1885 to 1965. Reinhart's extensive collection of art is housed in this museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore his diverse and rich collection.
  9. Baur Foundation - Museum of Far Eastern Art9

    Baur Foundation - Museum of Far Eastern Art

     Geneva
    A prime gallery of Far Eastern art. The largest collection of its kind in Switzerland. A must-see for Asian art lovers.
  10. Skulpturhalle Basel10

    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.
  11. Giovanni Züst Art Gallery11

    Giovanni Züst Art Gallery

     Mendrisio
    The Giovanni Züst Art Gallery, located in Rancate, a district of Mendrisio in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, is a notable art museum. It was opened in 1967 and was born from the desire of entrepreneur Giovanni Züst, who decided to donate his collection to the Canton of Ticino in 1966. The gallery is named after the small village of Rancate in Mendrisiotto, which had hosted him for many years.
  12. Kunstmuseum Olten12

    Kunstmuseum Olten

     Olten
    The Kunstmuseum Olten, located in Olten, Switzerland, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1902. This museum is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and showcasing art, making it a significant cultural landmark.
  13. St. Gallen Museum of Art13

    St. Gallen Museum of Art

     Sankt Gallen
    The St. Gallen Art Museum, also known as Kunstmuseum St.Gallen, is a significant art museum in Eastern Switzerland. It is conveniently located in the heart of St. Gallen, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, ranging from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
  14. Thermenmuseum Iuliomagus14

    Thermenmuseum Iuliomagus

     Schleitheim
    Juliomagus, also known as Iuliomagus, was a Roman city situated near the present-day location of Schleitheim in the canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Today, the remnants of this ancient city are visible through the excavations of the thermal baths, which are open to the public. These baths provide a glimpse into the Roman culture and their architectural techniques.
  15. Barbier-Mueller Museum15

    Barbier-Mueller Museum

     Geneva
    The Barbier-Mueller Museum holds the distinction of being the only museum in Europe dedicated exclusively to pre-Columbian art. The works on display span a broad timeline, dating from 1500 BC to the 16th century. This wide range provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of pre-Columbian art and culture.
  16. Nyon Roman Museum16

    Nyon Roman Museum

     Nyon
    The Roman Museum of Nyon is a municipal archaeological museum situated in the Vaudois city of Nyon, Switzerland. It is a part of the Nyon Culture Service and is responsible for the preservation and enhancement of Roman-era archaeological material found in the Nyon district. The museum is supported by the Association of Friends of the Nyon Museum, contributing to the realization of certain projects.
  17. Abegg-Stiftung17

    Abegg-Stiftung

     Riggisberg
    The Abegg-Stiftung, located in Riggisberg, Canton Bern, Switzerland, is a unique institution that combines a textile museum and a textile research institute. It offers visitors a chance to explore a vast collection of textiles, ranging from ancient to modern times, and to learn about the science and art of textile conservation and restoration.
  18. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Neuchâtel)18

    Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Neuchâtel)

     Neuchâtel
    The Musée d'art et d'histoire de Neuchâtel is a fine arts museum situated in Switzerland. It is housed in a building constructed between 1881 and 1887 by Léo Châtelain. The museum offers visitors a rich collection of Neuchâtel, Swiss, and French art.
  19. Archäologische Sammlung der Universität Zürich19

    Archäologische Sammlung der Universität Zürich

     Zurich
    The Archaeological Collection of the University of Zurich houses a diverse range of art and crafts from various ancient civilizations. These include Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as ancient Asia Minor, Greece, and Italy. The collection is part of the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Zurich, making it a significant destination for those interested in ancient history and archaeology.
  20. Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle20

    Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle

     Le Locle
    The Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle (MBAL) is situated in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It provides a diverse range of temporary exhibitions three times a year, spread across a 2,000 square meter space. This offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of artistic styles and periods throughout the year.