Three museums – the National Museum Zurich, the Château de Prangins and the Forum of Swiss History Schwyz – along with the Collection Centre in Affoltern am Albis are united under the umbrella of the Swiss National Museum. The museums present Swiss history from its beginnings to the present, with both permanent displays and temporary exhibitions on current topics giving an insight into Swiss identities and the rich tapestry of our country’s history and culture.

The National Museum Zurich is located in the heart of the city of Zurich, just a minute’s walk from the main station. The popular museum of cultural history consists of an elegant historical old building and a sculptural new wing. The museum was built in 1898 under the guidance of architect Gustav Gull, a student of Gottfried Semper. Gull drew on various historicising architectural features from the late Middle Ages to the modern era, combining them to create a single whole. The new extension, which was designed by Swiss architects Christ & Gantenbein and opened in 2016, complements Gustav Gull’s original wing perfectly. It contains large, flexible exhibition spaces, a modern library and an auditorium for public events.

In its permanent exhibitions the National Museum Zurich showcases Swiss history from its earliest times to the present day. Temporary exhibitions on topical themes add to this wealth of information. With special events and guided tours, the museum offers a cultural platform for Swiss history and paves the way for a dialogue with society.

The «Magazine» of the Swiss National Museum is our cultural magazine informing you about exhibitions, museum activities and special events and offers for the public. It also provides interesting insights into the diverse and challenging work of the museum. The magazine is published three times a year in German and French. Subscriptions are free of charge.

(in German)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 1 | 2019 (PDF 5.8MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 3 | 2018 (PDF 7.3MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 2 | 2018 (PDF 5.7MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 1 | 2018 (PDF 5.9MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 3 | 2017 (PDF 7.6MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 2 | 2017 (PDF 3.9MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 1 | 2017 (PDF 7.1MB)
Magazin des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums 3 | 2016 (PDF 3.3MB)
Kulturmagazin 2 | 2016 (PDF 7.8MB)
Kulturmagazin 1 | 2016 (PDF 4.2MB)

(in French)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 1 | 2019 (PDF 4.9MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 3 | 2018 (PDF 4.5MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 2 | 2018 (PDF 5.5MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 1 | 2018 (PDF 6.7MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 3 | 2017 (PDF 3.4MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 2 | 2017 (PDF 3.9MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 1 | 2017 (PDF 4.8MB)
Magazine du Musée national suisse 3 | 2016 (PDF 3.3MB)
Magazine 2 | 2016 (PDF 7.1MB)
Magazine 1 | 2016 (PDF 2.8MB) 

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The picture archive contains more than 400,000 images that are used throughout the world not only in scientific publications and catalogues, but also in exhibitions and the media. Around 3,000 new images are added each year. Orders should include specific details regarding the required image(s) and intended purpose. Fees apply for our services and the purchase of utilisation rights.

The 19th century is generally regarded as the century of nations and nation states. While other countries were busily erecting memorials, monuments and institutions, though, the young federal state of Switzerland struggled with the idea of setting up a national museum. Plans to create one met with widespread scepticism, and there were also entirely pragmatic reasons for rejecting the enterprise. The country’s neighbours already had something to put in their museums, in the form of a ducal, royal or imperial collection; Switzerland had nothing comparable. Almost every one of the 25 cantons had its own collection based on old armoury collections and cabinets of curiosities, reflecting the federal character of the young state. It was National Council member Salomon Vögelin of Zurich who, with his motion of 9 July 1883, launched discussion on the founding of a national museum. Encouraged by the popularity of the national art exhibition organised as part of the Swiss national exhibition in Zurich, he submitted his proposal to the Federal Council.

After much wrangling over the proposed site of the Swiss National Museum, Zurich finally won through in 1891, seeing off its rivals Lucerne, Basel and Bern. The young architect Gustav Gull drew on various historicising architectural features from the late medieval period and the modern era, combining them to create a single whole. The design of the Swiss National Museum was intended to express a unity between collection, exhibition and architecture. It was also combined with a school of art, thereby satisfying a further important requirement of the era: having both institutions side by side, allowing the past to act as an example and an inspiration for the work of students. Today, the National Museum Zurich is regarded as one of the outstanding 19th-century constructions of its type, and an architectural monument of national importance.

The Society for the Swiss National Museum (GLM) supports the Swiss National Museums. It enables the museums to mount special exhibitions and events and finances the acquisition of items of historical value.

As a member of the GLM you will be invited to the advance premieres of special exhibitions and enjoy expert guides on your visits to the museums. In addition, you will be admitted free of charge to all Swiss National Museums.

Members of the Swiss National Museum make an important contribution to supporting Swiss history and culture and further developing our extensive programme of exhibitions and activities for visitors.

As a member of the Swiss National Museum (SNM) you can benefit from a range of special, exclusive offers and privileges. You will have free admission to all our museums and will receive invitations to openings and private viewings. In addition, you can invite up to 20 guests to join you on a personalised guided tour given by the Director of the Swiss National Museum or the exhibition curator.

Benefits of membership

Membership is for a full calendar year (as of September, including the following year) and costs CHF 800. Memberships may be purchased at the museum's cashier desk or online, via mail or via Tel. (+41 58 466 65 11).