The Swiss National Museum, or Landesmuseum Zürich, stands beside Zurich’s main train station in a turreted building that looks like a fairy-tale castle. Designed by Gustav Gull and opened in 1898, it was built to house the cultural inheritance of the young federal state, reflecting a period when Switzerland was defining its national identity.
Inside, the museum traces Swiss history through objects ranging from medieval religious art and stained glass to furniture, textiles and everyday artefacts. The displays offer a view of how people lived, worked and shaped the country, while temporary exhibitions explore subjects from archaeology to contemporary culture. A concrete extension by Christ & Gantenbein provides a striking contrast to the historic building.
Allow at least two hours to explore, and check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and opening times before visiting. It’s an easy stop by train: Zürich Hauptbahnhof is just across the road, making the museum a convenient first or last stop in the city.