Ethnology museums in Switzerland

The Bern Historical Museum, situated at Helvetiaplatz in Bern, is recognized as the second largest cultural history museum in Switzerland. It offers a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural history of the region, making it a significant destination for those interested in exploring the historical and cultural aspects of Switzerland.

The Swiss National Museum in Zurich, also known as Landesmuseum Zürich, is the primary branch of the Swiss National Museum. It is conveniently located near Zurich Central Station, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum is dedicated to the cultural history of Switzerland, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's rich heritage.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is situated in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland. This museum is a place where visitors can explore the impact of humanitarian action on our lives. It serves as a platform for artists and cultural partners to delve into the issues, values, and current state of humanitarian action.

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.

The Ethnographic Museum is situated in the heart of downtown Zurich, within the premises of the Old Botanical Garden, known as 'zur Katz'. The building, which was first constructed in 1864, has undergone various changes over time, adding to its historical charm and architectural interest. Its location and unique setting make it an intriguing destination for visitors.

An intriguing museum located in a former mill, where you can learn about the history of the region and its cultural development.

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.

The Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum is situated between the towns of Brienz and Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland region. The museum's primary objective is to showcase the traditional rural habitats of the various Swiss cantons. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and understand the diverse architectural styles and living conditions across different regions of Switzerland.

The Musée d'ethnographie de Genève, also known as the Geneva Ethnography Museum, is recognized as one of the most significant ethnographic museums in Switzerland. This museum is a hub for cultural exploration and understanding, offering a comprehensive view of various cultures from around the world.

The Shoe Museum is situated in the beautiful city of Lausanne, Switzerland. This location is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its numerous museums, including the Shoe Museum.

The Rätisches Museum, also referred to as the Bündner Historisches Museum, is situated in the old town of Chur. This location adds to the historical charm of the museum, making it a fitting place to explore the rich cultural history of the Graubünden region.

The Museum Chasa Jaura, also known as Talmuseum Münstertal, is a cultural site that was opened in 1973 in Valchava, Switzerland. It is housed in an Engadine house that is over 300 years old. The museum serves a dual purpose as it is both a local history museum and an art museum. Visitors can expect to see a variety of exhibits that showcase the history and art of the region.

The Talmuseum Engelberg showcases a diverse collection that reflects the region's history and the rule of the Engelberg Abbey. The collection includes state and legal antiquities, objects of popular piety, and items related to living culture. Additionally, the museum features a collection on tourism and sports history, as well as a collection on the Alps and a relief of the Engelberg region at a scale of 1:10,000.

The Ortsmuseum Wila is a memory institution located in Zurich. It has a public mandate to collect and preserve cultural heritage. This makes it a significant place for those interested in understanding the cultural history and heritage of the region.

Park-Villa Rieter is a villa located in Zurich that is utilized as a museum building. This historical structure offers a unique setting for the display of various exhibits, contributing to the rich cultural experience of the city.

The Museum zur Farb, located in Stäfa, Canton of Zurich, is a memory institution. It has a public mandate to collect, document, and research the local cultural heritage. This mission makes it a significant destination for those interested in understanding the local and regional history of Stäfa.

The Ortsmuseum Hinwil is a memory institution situated in Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland. The museum is housed in an 18th-century Flarz and Riegelhaus, a traditional Swiss building, along with three additional outbuildings. This setting provides a unique and authentic backdrop for the museum's exhibits, immersing visitors in the historical context of the region.

The Prättigauer Heimatmuseum is a folk museum situated in the picturesque town of Grüsch in the Vorderprättigau region of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. This museum offers a unique insight into the local culture and history, making it an interesting destination for those interested in Swiss heritage.

The Psychiatry Museum in Bern, also known as the Swiss Psychiatry Museum Bern, has been located in the Pfründerhaus on the Waldau grounds since 1993. The museum was established on the initiative of Walter Morgenthaler and has been owned by the Psychiatry Museum Bern Foundation since 1990. The museum showcases the history of mental illnesses and their treatment.

The Swiss Puppet Museum, nestled in the heart of Fribourg, Switzerland, is a unique cultural institution dedicated to the art of puppetry. Founded in 1985 by Jean Bindschedler and Marie-José Aebi, the museum has since become a significant attraction for both locals and tourists alike. It offers a fascinating insight into the world of puppetry, showcasing a diverse collection of puppets from around the globe.

The Swiss Customs Museum, situated in Gandria, a part of the municipality of Lugano, was established in 1949. It provides a historical account of Switzerland's borders, offering visitors a unique insight into the country's past. The museum houses a collection of objects used by smugglers and customs personnel from the Federal Customs Office and the Border Security UDSC.

The Museum of Estavayer-le-Lac, also known as the 'Frogs Museum', is situated in the town of Estavayer-le-Lac, in the canton of Fribourg. It has been housed in the Maison de la Dîme since 1927. This museum is a regional museum that showcases the culture and history of the region, with most of its collections coming from donations from families in Estavayer or Fribourg.

The Historisches Museum Olten, established in 1902, serves as a cultural institution in the city of Olten, located in the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. This museum plays a dual role as a regional history museum and the historical city museum of Olten.

The Historical and Folklore Museum, also known as HVM, is a significant cultural institution located in the city park of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Opened in 1921, the museum is home to the most important cultural-historical collection in Northeast Switzerland, with a particular focus on the history of the city of St. Gallen.

Kulturama is a museum that focuses on evolution and cultural history, located in the Zurich-Hottingen area. It combines natural science and cultural history themes, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of humans and animals, as well as early high cultures.

The Walserhaus Museum is situated in the canton of Ticino, in the village of Bosco Gurin. This village is known for its distinctive Walser culture, which is preserved and showcased in the museum. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of the Walser people, providing a unique cultural experience.

The Ortsmuseum Hinwil is a memory institution situated in Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland. The museum is housed in an 18th-century Flarz and Riegelhaus, a traditional Swiss building, along with three additional outbuildings. This setting provides a unique and authentic backdrop for the museum's exhibits, immersing visitors in the historical context of the region.

The Museum Höfli, also known as Bezirksmuseum «Höfli» Bad Zurzach, is a museum situated in Bad Zurzach in the canton of Aargau. It is housed in a former canon's house, the St. Fulgentiushof or Höfli, near the Verenamünster. The museum is managed and maintained by the Historical Association of the District of Bad Zurzach.

The Burghalden Museum Lenzburg is a multi-disciplinary museum located in Lenzburg, Aargau, Switzerland. The museum's primary focus is on art and cultural history, offering a diverse range of exhibits and collections that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Toggenburger Museum in Lichtensteig is a significant institution that preserves, documents, and communicates the cultural heritage of the old Toggenburg landscape. It is a place where visitors can learn about the rich history and culture of the region, making it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding the past and present of Toggenburg.

The Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum, located in Urnäsch, is recognized by the Swiss government as a cultural asset of national importance. This recognition highlights the museum's significance in preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.

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.

The Museo etnografico della Valle di Muggio, also known as MEVM, is a museum located in Cabbio, a locality that is part of the municipality of Breggia in the Canton of Ticino in Switzerland. This museum focuses on the ethnographic and landscape heritage of the Valle di Muggio.

Museum Wetzikon is a memory institution located in Zurich. It has a public mandate to collect and preserve cultural heritage. This makes it a significant place for those interested in understanding the cultural history and heritage of the region.

The Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum, located in Stein, is a folklore museum that offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region. It is a place where visitors can learn about the traditional practices and lifestyle of the local people.

The Fricktaler Museum, situated in Rheinfelden in the canton of Aargau, is a historical regional museum. It is dedicated to the history of the city of Rheinfelden and the Fricktal region. This museum provides a deep dive into the past, offering a comprehensive understanding of the region's history.

The Ortsmuseum Küsnacht is a museum situated in the municipality of Küsnacht, in the Swiss canton of Zurich. It is a cultural asset of regional significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.

The Museum Regiunal Surselva, also known as the Regional Museum of the Grisons Highlands, is an ethnographic museum located in Ilanz. Established in 1988, the museum is housed in the Casa Carniec, an old patrician house in the old town. The museum showcases exhibits from over 60 localities in the Surselva region, taking into account the ethnicities of both the Romansh and German-speaking populations, particularly the Walser people who settled in the Safiental and Obersaxen areas in Surselva.

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.

The collection of the Lausanne History Museum includes a wide range of items that illustrate the city's history. These include archaeological finds, fragments of former buildings, image sources, and handed down objects. These artifacts serve to depict the city's evolution from the Roman settlement Lousonna to its current status as the modern capital of the Canton of Vaud in the Geneva-Lausanne metropolitan region.

The Museo delle Culture (MUSEC) is a museum in Lugano, Switzerland, dedicated to non-European cultures. It was officially opened to the public on September 23, 1989. The museum is a significant cultural center in the city of Lugano, offering a unique insight into various cultures from around the world.

The Musée d’ethnographie de Neuchâtel (MEN), also known as the Ethnographic Museum of the City of Neuchâtel, is a Swiss ethnographic museum. Its primary focus is on the African continent, offering visitors a unique insight into the diverse cultures and traditions of this vast region. The museum's collections are extensive and varied, providing a comprehensive overview of African ethnography.

The North American Native Museum, also known as NONAM, is located in Zurich, Switzerland. The museum is dedicated to the conservation, documentation, and presentation of ethnographic objects and artwork from Native American, First Nation, and Inuit cultures. This includes a wide range of artifacts and art pieces that provide a deep insight into these cultures and their history.

The Forum of Swiss History Schwyz is a historical museum located in Schwyz. It is part of the museum group of the Swiss National Museum, offering visitors a deep dive into the country's rich history. The museum was opened in 1995 in the former granary and arsenal, a building dating back to 1711, located in the town center of Schwyz.

The Musée jurassien d'art et d'histoire, located in Delémont, Canton of Jura, Switzerland, serves as a museum of art and a hub for public learning. This institution provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region through its diverse collections and exhibits.

The Museo di Leventina is situated in the picturesque town of Giornico, nestled in the Valle Leventina of the Swiss canton of Ticino. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.

The Museo di Val Verzasca, situated in Sonogno, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, is an ethnographic museum that houses a collection of approximately a thousand demo-ethno-anthropological objects. The collection has been established since 1974, making it a rich source of cultural and historical artifacts that provide insights into the region's past.

The Musée gruérien is an art and history museum located in Bulle, in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. It is dedicated to promoting, studying, and showcasing the heritage of the region since 1917. The museum is situated near the historic center of Bulle, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Sensler Museum, located in Tafers, Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, is a cultural and historical museum dedicated to the Sense district. It is a significant institution that collects and preserves cultural heritage, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of the region's history and culture.

The Ackerhaus is a significant historical site, dating back to the 18th century. It is located in the Toggenburg municipality of Ebnat-Kappel, in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of Swiss history and architecture.

Museum.BL is the cantonal museum of the canton of Basel-Landschaft in Switzerland. It is a significant part of the cultural landscape of Basel and is located in the historic old town of the cantonal capital, Liestal. The museum is housed in the premises of the former armory, adding a touch of historical significance to its location.

The Museo etnografico della Valle di Muggio (MEVM) is situated in the charming locale of Cabbio, which is a part of the municipality of Breggia in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland. This location is not only picturesque but also rich in cultural heritage, making it an ideal setting for the museum.

The Sammlung Friedhof Hörnli is a museum situated in the municipality of Riehen, close to Basel. It exhibits a collection of significant objects that represent the Swiss and Basel burial culture. This museum provides a unique insight into the customs and traditions of Swiss funerary practices.

This homely museum displays a heart-warming exposition of furbished rooms arranged in the way how people used to live.

Visit this museum to immerse into the mystical world of the Australian Aborigines. Various temporary exhibitions.

Come to this museum filled with many intriguing artifacts and learn more about the life in the region, its folklore and sport history.