All photography museums to visit in Switzerland

Capture the essence of photography at 13 museums in Switzerland dedicated to this visual art form. These museums showcase historical and contemporary photographs, equipment, and techniques.

Are you a photography enthusiast? These are the best photography museums in Switzerland:

  1. Alpineum Lucerne1

    Alpineum Lucerne

     Lucerne
    The Alpineum is a museum and alpine diorama located in Lucerne, Switzerland. It offers a unique experience for visitors to immerse themselves in the alpine world through large-scale panoramic paintings. The museum is housed in a neoclassical building that is protected as a historical monument.
  2. Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich2

    Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich

     Zurich
    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.
  3. Photo Élysée3

    Photo Élysée

     Lausanne
    Photo Élysée, located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the pioneering museums in Europe that is solely dedicated to the art of photography. This museum, which was formerly known as the Musée de l'Élysée - Musée cantonal pour la photographie, has been a significant platform for showcasing the evolution and diversity of photographic art since its establishment.
  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. Fotomuseum Winterthur5

    Fotomuseum Winterthur

     Winterthur
    The Fotomuseum Winterthur, located in Winterthur, Switzerland, is a museum dedicated to the art of photography. Established in 1993, the museum serves as a platform for showcasing the work of contemporary photographers and artists, as well as works by 19th and 20th-century masters. It also features applied photography in various fields such as industry, architecture, and fashion.
  6. Alpine Museum of Switzerland6

    Alpine Museum of Switzerland

     Bern
    The Swiss Alpine Museum, located at Helvetiaplatz 4 in Bern, is a unique institution that explores the relationship between mountains and people, culture, and nature in the Swiss Alps. The museum's focus is not only on the physical aspects of the Alps but also on the cultural, social, and natural interactions that occur in this region. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the Alpine region, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in learning more about the Swiss Alps.
  7. Talmuseum Engelberg7

    Talmuseum Engelberg

     Engelberg
    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.
  8. Vevey Photography Museum8

    Vevey Photography Museum

     Vevey
    The Swiss Camera Museum, located in the city of Vevey, Switzerland, is a museum dedicated to the art and science of photography. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of photography, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. The museum houses a vast collection of cameras and photographic equipment, as well as photographs, documentation, publications, and illustrations related to the medium.
  9. Spazio officina9

    Spazio officina

     Chiasso
    The m.a.x. museum in Chiasso is a civic institution that offers a variety of exhibitions and events. These focus on contemporary and historical graphics, visual communication, design, and photography. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore these areas in depth, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in these fields.
  10. Kunsthaus Pasquart10

    Kunsthaus Pasquart

     Biel/Bienne
    Centre Pasquart is a cultural hub situated in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. It is a place where art, culture, and history converge, offering a unique experience for visitors. The center houses several institutions including the Art Center, the Art Center Collection, the Photoforum, the Society of Fine Arts Bienne, the Filmpodium, and free space.
  11. Kunsthalle Basel11

    Kunsthalle Basel

     Basel
    Kunsthalle Basel, located in the cultural heart of Basel, Switzerland, is a contemporary art gallery with a rich history. Established in 1872, it holds the distinction of being the oldest and still most active institution for contemporary art in Switzerland. This makes it a significant part of the country's cultural landscape and a noteworthy destination for art enthusiasts.
  12. Fotostiftung Schweiz12

    Fotostiftung Schweiz

     Winterthur
    The Fotostiftung Schweiz, or the Swiss Foundation for Photography, is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of photographic works. Established in 1971 as a private foundation, it has since been committed to the conservation, enhancement, and dissemination of photographic works. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in photography and its history.
  13. 13

    Bellpark Museum

     Kriens
    The Museum im Bellpark, located in Kriens, Switzerland, serves as a platform for photography, history, and art. It offers a unique blend of these disciplines, providing a comprehensive cultural experience for its visitors.