All Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums to visit in Switzerland

Discover the artistic treasures of the past at 27 museums in Switzerland dedicated to medieval and early Renaissance art. These museums showcase masterpieces from a pivotal era in art history.

Are you captivated by medieval and Renaissance art? Here are the best museums to visit in Switzerland:

  1. Swiss National Museum1

    Swiss National Museum

     Zurich
    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.
  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. Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche3

    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.
  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. Castle Kyburg5

    Castle Kyburg

     Illnau-Effretikon
    Kyburg Castle, located in Switzerland, is a significant heritage site that overlooks the Töss river. It is situated approximately 3 km southeast of Winterthur, within the Kyburg municipality in the canton of Zürich. The castle's historical and cultural value has earned it the status of a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
  6. Museum zu Allerheiligen6

    Museum zu Allerheiligen

     Schaffhausen
    The Museum zu Allerheiligen, located in the old town of Schaffhausen, is a significant cultural institution in the region. It is housed in the former Benedictine monastery of All Saints, adding a historical and architectural charm to the museum. The museum's location in the old town makes it easily accessible for tourists and provides a unique backdrop for the diverse collections it houses.
  7. Kunstmuseum Luzern7

    Kunstmuseum Luzern

     Lucerne
    The Kunstmuseum Luzern, established in 1932, is situated within the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre, also known as KKL Luzern. This museum is one of the most significant art museums in Switzerland, renowned for its rotating exhibitions of all genres, including contemporary art.
  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. Art Museum Solothurn9

    Art Museum Solothurn

     Solothurn
    The Art Museum Solothurn, which opened its doors in 1902, is recognized as one of the city's most significant cultural institutions. It offers a rich blend of historical and contemporary art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  10. Königsfelden Monastery10

    Königsfelden Monastery

     Windisch
    Königsfelden Monastery, located in the municipality of Windisch in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland, is a former Franciscan double monastery. It was home to both a community of Poor Clare nuns and Franciscan friars, who lived in separate wings of the monastery.
  11. Museum Kleines Klingental11

    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.
  12. Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona12

    Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona

     Rapperswil-Jona
    The Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona, founded in 1943, is located in the Breny House and its corresponding tower. This museum is situated in the heart of the old town of Rapperswil, a part of the Swiss municipality of Rapperswil-Jona in the canton of St. Gallen. The museum is a significant part of the local history and culture, making it a point of interest for tourists.
  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. Convent of St. John Müstair14

    Convent of St. John Müstair

     Münstertal
    The Benedictine abbey Sankt Johann in Müstair is a significant historical site, having been listed as a Swiss World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. This recognition highlights the abbey's historical and cultural importance, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  15. Historical and Folklore Museum15

    Historical and Folklore Museum

     Sankt Gallen
    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.
  16. Museum Gais16

    Museum Gais

     Gais
    Museum Gais, situated in Gais, Switzerland, is home to a collection that has been recognized as a cultural asset of regional importance by the Swiss government. This classification signifies the museum's significant contribution to the region's cultural heritage, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the area.
  17. Ritterhaus Bubikon17

    Ritterhaus Bubikon

     Bubikon
    Bubikon Castle, also known as Bubikon Commandery, is a significant historical site located in the municipality of Bubikon in the Swiss Canton of Zürich. This former medieval monastery of the Knights Hospitaller is a Swiss heritage site of national significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
  18. St. George's Abbey, Stein am Rhein18

    St. George's Abbey, Stein am Rhein

     Stein am Rhein
    In the 15th century, St. George's Abbey underwent a complete reconstruction. Today, it stands as a significant example of late Gothic architecture in the region. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and the historical context that led to the creation of this impressive structure.
  19. Museen Maur19

    Museen Maur

     Aesch (ZH)
    Burg Maur is a small castle situated in the quaint village of Maur, nestled in the district of Uster in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. This historical site, built around 1250, offers a glimpse into the past with its sturdy stone walls and unique architectural features. The castle was initially constructed as a square residential tower with sides measuring 8.9 meters and built on 1.40 meter thick foundations made of boulders and hewn corner blocks.
  20. Fricktaler Museum20

    Fricktaler Museum

     Rheinfelden
    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.
  21. Historic Museum Thurgau21

    Historic Museum Thurgau

     Frauenfeld
    The Historic Museum Thurgau is the history museum of the Swiss canton of Thurgau. It manages a collection of over 52,000 objects, regularly organizes exhibitions, conducts research, and disseminates cantonal history to a wide audience. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of Thurgau.
  22. Museum Regiunal Surselva22

    Museum Regiunal Surselva

     Ilanz/Glion
    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.
  23. Museum Altes Zeughaus23

    Museum Altes Zeughaus

     Solothurn
    The Museum Altes Zeughaus in Solothurn is recognized as one of the largest historically oriented armor and weapons exhibitions in Switzerland. The museum's primary focus is on the canton of Solothurn, providing a unique insight into the region's military history. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exhibits, from medieval armor to weapons used during the First World War.
  24. Museum of Art and History24

    Museum of Art and History

     Freiburg
    The Museum of Art and History in Fribourg, also known as MAHF, is a renowned institution that houses a collection of art works and historical objects. These items are primarily sourced from the canton of Fribourg, providing a unique insight into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
  25. Museo Castello San Materno25

    Museo Castello San Materno

     Ascona
    The Museo Castello San Materno, located in Ascona, Switzerland, is a museum that is affiliated with the Museo Comunale d’Arte Moderna in Ascona. The museum was opened in April 2014 after the restoration of the building. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art and historical artifacts.
  26. Schnitzturm26

    Schnitzturm

     Stansstad
    The Schnitzturm is a historical stone tower located in the municipality of Stansstad, in the canton of Nidwalden, Switzerland. This tower is a significant part of the country's heritage and offers a glimpse into the medieval fortifications of the region.
  27. Schloss Grüningen27

    Schloss Grüningen

     Grüningen
    Schloss Grüningen is a historical castle situated in the town of Grüningen, within the Swiss canton of Zurich. The castle's construction dates back to before the year 1229, making it a significant historical site.