World Cultures Museums in Switzerland
Ethnological collections and museums about cultures from around the world.
Ticino (6)
St. Gallen (4)
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (3)
Basel-Stadt (3)
Geneva (3)
Zurich (3)
Bern (2)
Fribourg (2)
Valais (2)
Aargau (1)
Graubünden (1)
Neuchâtel (1)
World Cultures Museums in Switzerland: Overview & Tips
Our guide lists 31 world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland, spread across 12 cantons and 25 towns and cities. Most of them are in Ticino (6), St. Gallen (4), and Appenzell Ausserrhoden (3).
At the city level, Basel (3), Geneva (3), and Zurich (3) lead the way – ideal if you want to see several world cultures and ethnology museums in a single day.
3 museums are free to visit. For the others with a published price, a regular adult ticket costs CHF 10 at the median, and the middle half charge between CHF 8 and CHF 15.
11 museums are fully wheelchair accessible, 20 offer dedicated programs for families, and 10 have a café or restaurant. These figures come from our ongoing research – museums whose details we haven’t verified yet aren’t included in the counts.
Top 10 world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland
The best-known world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland
Museum RietbergWorld cultures · Zurich
musée d'ethnographie de GenèveWorld cultures · Geneva
PolenmuseumHistory · Rapperswil-Jona
Historisches Museum BaselHistory · Basel
Museo delle Culture (MUSEC)World cultures · Lugano
Museum der Kulturen BaselWorld cultures · Basel- Jüdisches Museum der SchweizHistory · Basel
Museum WalserhausWorld cultures · Bosco Gurin
musée Barbier-MuellerWorld cultures · Geneva
Musée d’ethnographie de NeuchâtelWorld cultures · Neuchâtel
World cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland with free admission
World cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland with programs for families
- Museum RietbergWorld cultures · Zurich
- musée d'ethnographie de GenèveWorld cultures · Geneva
- Historisches Museum BaselHistory · Basel
- Museo delle Culture (MUSEC)World cultures · Lugano
- Museum der Kulturen BaselWorld cultures · Basel
- Jüdisches Museum der SchweizHistory · Basel
- Museum WalserhausWorld cultures · Bosco Gurin
- Musée d’ethnographie de NeuchâtelWorld cultures · Neuchâtel
BIBEL+ORIENT MuseumWorld cultures · Freiburg/Fribourg
Appenzeller BrauchtumsmuseumRegional · Urnäsch
Wheelchair-accessible world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland
- Museum RietbergWorld cultures · Zurich
- musée d'ethnographie de GenèveWorld cultures · Geneva
- Museo delle Culture (MUSEC)World cultures · Lugano
- Museum der Kulturen BaselWorld cultures · Basel
- Jüdisches Museum der SchweizHistory · Basel
- Musée d’ethnographie de NeuchâtelWorld cultures · Neuchâtel
Völkerkundemuseum der Universität ZürichWorld cultures · Zurich
Appenzeller Volkskunde-MuseumRegional · Stein AR
NONAM Nordamerika Native MuseumWorld cultures · Zurich
Fondation BaurArt · Geneva
By canton
Cities with the most museums
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How many world cultures and ethnology museums are there in Switzerland?
Our directory currently lists 31 world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland across 25 towns and cities.
What are the best-known world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland?
Some of the best known are Museum Rietberg, musée d'ethnographie de Genève, Polenmuseum, Historisches Museum Basel, and Museo delle Culture (MUSEC).
Which world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland offer free admission?
3 museums are free to visit – for example musée d'ethnographie de Genève, Völkerkundemuseum der Universität Zürich, and Spielzeugsammlung Waldfee.
Which world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland are open on Mondays?
Many museums are closed on Mondays, but according to their regular hours 6 are open, such as Museo delle Culture (MUSEC), Jüdisches Museum der Schweiz, and musée Barbier-Mueller.
Which world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland are wheelchair accessible?
11 museums are fully wheelchair accessible, including Museum Rietberg, musée d'ethnographie de Genève, and Museo delle Culture (MUSEC). Others are partially accessible – you’ll find the details on each museum’s page.
How much does it cost to visit world cultures and ethnology museums in Switzerland?
A regular adult ticket costs CHF 10 at the median, with prices ranging from CHF 5 to CHF 23. Children, students and families usually pay less.
Other categories: Art & Design · History & Cultural History · Natural History · Science & Technology · Archaeology & Antiquity · Memorials · Castles, Palaces & Monasteries · Open-Air Museums · City & Regional Museums · People & Literature · Special-Interest Museums