Swiss National Museum

Zürich

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The Swiss National Museum in Zürich is home to the country’s largest collection of Swiss cultural artefacts. The current visitor tour from prehistory to the early modern period is being expanded in August 2009 with the addition of new permanent exhibitions: “History of Switzerland” and “The Collection”. The museum also stages special temporary exhibitions.

With its many different architectural elements of style, the large castellated building of the Swiss National Museum is a fascinating reflection on the country's cultural diversity. It is home to the most extensive collection with reference to Swiss cultural history: Pre-history, the Celts and Romans, Middle Ages (Gothic art, religious statues) cultural history tours, national costume, historical rooms.
A prominent section is devoted to pre-history and the early historical period, in particular the New Stone Age, including finds of wheels actually found in Zürich which are among the earliest ever found, and Celtic finds and objects from the Early Middle Ages. Emphasis also falls on the medieval collection with important witnesses of knightly culture and a comprehensive collection of liturgical wooden sculptures, panel paintings and carved altars. Especially famous is Hodler's monumental fresco "Retreat of the Confederates at Marignano" in the armory.

How to get there:
The museum is located directly behind the Main Train Station.
Public transportation: Tram (streetcar) 4,11,13,14 up to "Hauptbahnhof" (Main Train Station).
Tram 6,7 And Bus 31 up to "Bahnhofstrasse".

INFO

On the 1st August 2009 the Swiss National Museum will be opening two new permanent exhibitions: «THE HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND» and «COLLECTIONS GALLERY». With these exhibitions the museum will for the first time offer a comprehensive view of Swiss history, and display its own collections with the focus on handicrafts and their products in Switzerland.
More information
Open:
all year. Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (until 7pm on Thu)
closed on Mon; open on public holidays

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Swiss National Museum

Zürich

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