Kunsthaus & Museums

Zurich has a surprisingly rich museum landscape — from world-class art museums to quirky niche museums.

★★★ Kunsthaus Zurich

One of the most important art museums in Europe, doubled in 2021 by the spectacular Chipperfield extension. The collection includes the world's largest Alberto Giacometti collection, outstanding works by Monet, Munch, Picasso, Chagall, and one of the best collections of Swiss art (Hodler, Segantini, Vallotton). The temporary exhibitions are regularly blockbuster-level.

Heimplatz 1. 23 CHF (special exhibitions 26 CHF). Tue/Fri–Sun 10–18, Wed/Thu 10–20. Closed Monday. Reduced Wednesday evening. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass!

★★ Swiss National Museum Zurich

Right next to the main train station, in the fairytale castle building (1898): The history of Switzerland from the Stone Age to the present. Particularly noteworthy: the medieval weapon collection, the Reformation department, and the interactive exhibition on direct democracy. The extension (2016) is architecturally award-winning.

Museumstrasse 2. 10 CHF (permanent exhibition free!). Tue–Sun 10–17, Thu until 19. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

★★ FIFA World Football Museum

A must for football fans: Three floors dedicated to the history of world football, with all World Cup trophies, historic jerseys, and interactive stations. The museum is professionally done and surprisingly entertaining — even for non-hardcore fans.

Seestrasse 27. 24 CHF. Tue–Sun 10–18.

★ Museum Rietberg

Zurich's museum for non-European art in a villa in Rieterpark. Asian, African, and Oceanic art of world-class. The park with a view of the lake is worth the visit alone — one of the most beautiful spots in the city.

Gablerstrasse 15. 14 CHF (special exhibitions 18 CHF). Tue–Sun 10–17, Wed until 20. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass.