Are you captivated by medieval and Renaissance art? Here are the best museums to visit in Switzerland:
1Swiss National Museum
ZurichThe 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. 2Museum of Art and history
GenevaThe 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. 3Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche
BaselThe 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. 4Museum of Fine Arts Bern
BernThe 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. 5Castle Kyburg
Illnau-EffretikonKyburg 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. 6Museum zu Allerheiligen
SchaffhausenThe 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. 7Kunstmuseum Luzern
LucerneThe 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. 8Oskar Reinhart collection Am Römerholz
WinterthurThe 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. 9Art Museum Solothurn
SolothurnThe 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. 10Königsfelden Monastery
WindischKönigsfelden 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. 11Museum Kleines Klingental
BaselThe 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. 12Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona
Rapperswil-JonaThe 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. 13St. Gallen Museum of Art
Sankt GallenThe 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. 14Convent of St. John Müstair
MünstertalThe 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. 15Historical and Folklore Museum
Sankt GallenThe 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. 16Museum Gais
GaisMuseum 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. 17Ritterhaus Bubikon
BubikonBubikon 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. 18St. George's Abbey, Stein am Rhein
Stein am RheinIn 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. 19Museen 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. 20Fricktaler Museum
RheinfeldenThe 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. 21Historic Museum Thurgau
FrauenfeldThe 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. 22Museum Regiunal Surselva
Ilanz/GlionThe 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. 23Museum Altes Zeughaus
SolothurnThe 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. 24Museum of Art and History
FreiburgThe 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. 25Museo Castello San Materno
AsconaThe 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. 26Schnitzturm
StansstadThe 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. 27Schloss Grüningen
GrüningenSchloss 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.