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

Experience the artistic revival of the Renaissance and early modern periods at 13 museums in Switzerland. These museums showcase masterpieces from a transformative era in art history.

Are you captivated by Renaissance and early modern art? These 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. Fine Arts Museum Basel5

    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.
  6. Art Museum Solothurn6

    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.
  7. Kunst Museum Winterthur - Reinhart am Stadtgarten7

    Kunst Museum Winterthur - Reinhart am Stadtgarten

     Winterthur
    The Kunst Museum Winterthur | Reinhart am Stadtgarten, previously known as Museum Oskar Reinhart, is an art museum located in Winterthur, in the Swiss canton of Zurich. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of art collections for public viewing.
  8. St. Gallen Museum of Art8

    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.
  9. Historical and Folklore Museum9

    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.
  10. St. George's Abbey, Stein am Rhein10

    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.
  11. Hünegg Castle11

    Hünegg Castle

     Hünibach
    Hünegg Castle, a Swiss heritage site of national significance, is situated in the municipality of Hilterfingen in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. This historic castle was built between 1861 and 1863 for the Prussian Baron Albert Emil Otto von Parpart. Over the years, it has changed hands several times before being acquired by the Canton of Bern in 1958.
  12. Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne12

    Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne

     Lausanne
    The Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts is home to approximately 10,000 artworks. While the collection spans a broad range of periods, it places a particular emphasis on art from the end of the eighteenth century to post-impressionism. This focus allows visitors to explore a significant era in art history.
  13. Museum of Art and History13

    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.