Museums

Year after year, people flock to Riehen from near and far to immerse in the art world of Hildy and Ernst Beyeler. They come to view the collection of works from classical modernism or one of the sensational exhibitions. However, the building designed by Renzo Piano and its park is worth the journey too.

The Museum Tinguely houses the world’s largest collection of art by Jean Tinguely, famous for his moving mechanical sculptures. Interactive exhibitions explore his influences, the work of his contemporaries and the latest trends.

The Kunsthaus Zürich boasts Zurich’s largest collection of modern art and is renowned both for its permanent art collection and its temporary exhibitions. In addition to works by Alberto Giacometti there are also significant pictures by Picasso, Monet and Chagall as well as numerous contemporary Swiss artists. The spectacular extension by David Chipperfield Architects will make the Kunsthaus Zürich the largest art museum in Switzerland.

The Mamco, Geneva’s Musée d’art moderne et contemporain is original in every way. Since it opened in 1994, Switzerland’s major contemporary art museum has operated a dynamic display policy.

The Zentrum Paul Klee, which opened in 2005, is dedicated to the person, life and work of Paul Klee (1879–1940). It houses the worldwide largest collection of Klee's works. Paul Klee is regarded as one of the 20th century's most important artists.

Four collections – Poster, Design, Graphics and Applied Art – encompass more than 500,000 objects at the Museum für Gestaltung. Switzerland’s foremost museum of design and visual communication is also one of the leading institutions in Europe, known for its fascinating temporary exhibitions.

The Museo etnografico of Valle di Muggio is primarily an open-air museum. The information center does have exhibitions, but the permanent exhibits are to be found in the surrounding environs. Amazing, what an Alpine valley has to offer. First of all, there is the "Nevèra", which can only be found here in Switzerland. It is a cylindrical construct made of quarry-stone brickwork, with a conical flagstone roof. During the winter this structure, which is several meters deep, was filled with snow. In the past, local farmers used to keep milk cool in these cylinders until further processing, up until the following fall season. Graa" are another object of interest. They are buildings for drying chestnuts. "Cisterna" are buildings that collect and store water from snow melting on roofs. "Roccolo" are towers for catching birds.

Changing exhibitions present aspects of the works of the painters Carl August Liner (1871-1946)and Carl Walter Liner (1914-1997) as well as 20th century and contemporary art.

Sherlock Holmes - The myth lives on. This is proven by the innumerable traces of Holmes in Meiringen. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is one of the highlights, besides the bronze statue and the roaring Reichenbach Falls with the fateful battle site.

At the chocolate factory Alprose in Caslano, established in 1957, there is a museum which presents the entire world of this sweet sin, from the very beginning to our days.

Two kilometres of model railway track in 1:87 scale run on three levels, populated by 120 trains with 1,560 wagons and 6,500 miniature figures. This technical marvel is a miniature world full of great moments to inspire visitors young and old. All aboard!

This museum features an exciting blend of history and ethnology.

The Cathedral Treasure Museum comprises two groups of objects: The actual cathedral treasure and the cycle of murals depicting death from 1543, both of which are exhibited on two floors and are a source of fascination to visitors of all ages as well as a unique resource for experts. The location of the museum, the baroque Episcopal Castle in Chur, is a cultural monument of national importance and also one of the most important secular buildings in Graubünden.