Bundesbriefmuseum

About the museum

The building was erected in 1936 specifically as a worthy repository for the Federal Charter of 1291, which was then regarded as the founding document of the Confederation. According to his own account, the architect Josef Beeler wanted to create a cathedral for the national shrine. The building is entirely marked by the "Spiritual National Defence" of the interwar and wartime period; inside, large murals were created by Heinrich Danioth, Maurice Barraud and Walter Clénin, among others.

Until 1992 the institution was called the Bundesbriefarchiv (Federal Charter Archive), and afterwards the Bundesbriefmuseum. It is owned by the Canton of Schwyz, whose State Archive looks after the documents. The former place of pilgrimage for patriotic veneration became a modern history museum that no longer treats the Federal Charter as a myth but places it in context as a historical source.

The permanent exhibition "History and Myths of Switzerland" explains the alliance policy of the Old Swiss Confederates, medieval everyday life, conflicts and compromises, as well as battles such as Morgarten and Marignano. Original documents and a collection of flags showing the different development of the Swiss and Schwyz crosses document the history; film and image material explains legends such as William Tell, the "wicked" Habsburg bailiffs and the Rütli Oath, and their significance for Switzerland's self-image.

Highlights

• Federal Charter of 1291 at the centre of the exhibition
• Unique flag collection on the development of the Swiss and Schwyz crosses
• Murals by Heinrich Danioth, Maurice Barraud and Walter Clénin
• Myths around William Tell and the Rütli Oath explained with film and image material
• Children's audio guide with Walterli
• Museum café with a view of the park

Permanent exhibition

• Geschichte und Mythen der Schweiz – The permanent exhibition centred on the Federal Charter of 1291 tells of the formation of the Old Swiss Confederacy and explains how legends such as Tell and the Rütli Oath came about.

Founded

1936

Operated by

Kanton Schwyz

Admission & discounts

Admission to the permanent exhibition is free with the Raiffeisen card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance is reached via a flight of steps. Wheelchair users are asked to park on Herrengasse and reach the museum via Kapuzinergässli. There is a passenger lift in the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

A children's audio guide with "Walterli" leads through the myths and history of medieval Switzerland; workshops and teaching materials are available for school classes.

Getting there & parking

By car, take the A4 towards Küssnacht/Brunnen, exit Schwyz, then into the village centre; the museum is on the left on Bahnhofstrasse.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café with a view of the museum park (tea, coffee, cold drinks, snacks); shop with publications on Swiss history.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit