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History of Switzerland

«History of Switzerland» reveals Swiss history from the earliest times to the present day, looking at four thematic areas. The first section shows the history of migration and settlement, the second examines religious and intellectual history, in the third Swiss political history is looked at and the fourth section focusses on the economic develop-ment of the country.

3D Battle of Murten catches the eye 6,000 tin soldiers, some mounted, some on foot, win a historic victory in the battle of Murten in 1476. The detailed Murten diorama has become very popular with young and old alike. Following a complete make-over, the diorama, which has been provided with interactive access, is one of the highlights of the ‘History of Switzerland’ permanent exhibition. Located in the Hall of Fame, the Battle of Murten represents the starting point of a very special journey through the political history of Switzerland.

Collections Gallery

«Collections Gallery» offers for the first time a representative overview of our own collections. Twenty displays show craft products of the highest quality. The Swiss National Museum possess more than 820,000 objects, the largest collection covering cultural history and Swiss handicraft.

Swiss homes & furnishings

The exhibition «Swiss homes & furnishings» presents interiors and furniture from the Swiss National Museum’s own collection. At its core are the reconstructed period rooms that helped establish the museum’s international reputation. Swiss furniture from the 20th century is on display in the spaces in front of the rooms. The exhibition shows how people’s needs of their home environment have changed over the centuries, and how furniture and rooms have been adapted to suit the new circumstances. Scenography: atelier oï-sa, La Neuveville Publication accompanying the exhibition: Pocket guide «Swiss Furniture and Interiors». A guide to the exhibition with  examples of exhibits. 84 pp., in colour, with numerous illustrations, available in D/E or F/I. CHF 5.00

Armoury Tower

The Swiss National Museum’s collection of arms, of both national and international significance, is based on the contents of the old Zurich Armoury. The collection on view in the Armoury Tower is grouped thematically, encompassing everything from such Mediaeval equipment as upper-body armour and jousting helmets from Gesslerburg in Küssnacht, canton of Schwyz, to Baroque ceremonial and status pieces and Swiss Army uniforms of the 19th and 20th centuries. The various types of weapons, uniforms and equipment are shown and explained in their historical context.

Television and Studio
Closed from 16th June to 14th July

Since 21 April 2012, the Swiss National Museum has another attraction: A television studio. Young and old can play at being a presenter and be filmed with a studio camera by friends, class mates or parents. At the presenter’s console, backdrops can be selected, enabling everyone to practise presenting the news programme, the weather forecast or sports panorama. Visitors can enact their own texts or recreate situations, which can be watched live on the monitor by the audience. Historical photographs from the Swiss television archive allow a glimpse behind the scenes and show the beginnings and development of Swiss television. They depict popular programmes and presenters from its nearly 50-year-old TV history. Who doesn’t remember Heidi Abel, Kurt Felix, Annet Gosztonyi or Erich Gysling; «Ein Platz für Tiere» (A place for animals) «Karussell» or «Benissimo»? Special attention is given to the Tagesschau, the flagship news programme of SRF (Swiss Radio and Television). which was first officially broadcast in 1953 from the Studio Bellerive in Zurich. Opening hours Tue–Fri 12.30–17.00 | Thu 12.30–19.00 │ Sat–Sun 10.00–17.00 During the school holidays Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00 │ Thu 10.00–19.00 Schools Free use of the TV studio: Tue-Fri (mornings). Prior booking required. Workshops, information and materials for preparation and revision in class: www.landesmuseum.ch/schulen Children & families Guided tours & workshops. Current program: www.landesmuseum.ch/agenda Advance booking and information T.+41(0)44 218 65 04 (Mon–Fri 9 am–12.30pm) | fuehrungen@snm.admin.ch Swiss National Museum Zurich. | Museumstrasse 2 | 8001 Zurich

Object of the month

Eurovision Song Contest Am Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö wird die Schweiz durch eine Band der Heilsarmee vertreten. Der Veranstalter schreibt jedoch vor, dass die Heilsarmee nicht unter ihrem Namen und nicht in ihren Uniformen auftreten darf. Darum heisst ihre Band neu „Takasa“ und tritt zivil auf. Salvation Army peaked cap, ca. 1990. Fotos Keystone , Heilsarmee Schweiz /Oscar Alessio Archiv