Switzerland, the land of banks
Overview
Intro
Switzerland is one of the world’s leading financial centres – but how did its close association with banking evolve?
Switzerland is one of the world’s leading financial centres – but how did its close association with banking evolve? The exhibition shows how deeply banking is entrenched in Switzerland’s DNA and traces the development of the banking system by displaying an impressive range of items. Long before banks existed as we know them today, money, credit and trust were integral to people’s daily business. Jewish moneylenders, Lombardy merchants and, later, urban exchange offices laid the foundation for the modern financial centre. In the 19th century, savings banks and cantonal banks cultivated the image of a bank as a reliable institution available to everyone. Large banks emerged in Zurich, Basel and Geneva, which enabled the country’s industrial development – in the 20th century, the adoption of the famous banking secrecy laws saw Switzerland rise to world prominence as a financial hub. However, confidence in Swiss banking is not unshakeable. Crises have been a recurring feature in the sector, with banks going into administration, international criticism of banking secrecy and spectacular acquisitions. The exhibition goes beyond merely retracing historical developments; it also invites visitors to engage with the land of banks as it is today. Interactive media stations, surveys and fun options for children ensure the exhibition has something for visitors of all ages.
| Provider | |
|---|---|
| Contact address |
Landesmuseum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2 8001 Zürich +41 44 218 65 11 info@nationalmuseum.ch +41 44 218 65 09 |
| Event Homepage | http://www.nationalmuseum.ch |
| Opening hours |
18.10.2026: 10:00–17:00
|
The content presented here is provided and updated by regional/local tourist offices or event organisers, which is why Switzerland Tourism is unable to guarantee the correctness of the contents.
Event dates
- 15 October 2026
- 16 October 2026
- 17 October 2026
- 18 October 2026
- 20 October 2026
- 21 October 2026
- 22 October 2026
- 23 October 2026
- 24 October 2026
- 25 October 2026
- 27 October 2026
- 28 October 2026
- 29 October 2026
- 30 October 2026
- 31 October 2026
- 01 November 2026
- 03 November 2026
- 04 November 2026
- 05 November 2026
- 06 November 2026
- 07 November 2026
- 08 November 2026
Discover the surroundings
Landesmuseum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2
8001
Zürich
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)44 218 65 11
Fax +41 (0)44 218 65 09
info@nationalmuseum.ch
landesmuseum.ch