Forum Schweizer Geschichte Schwyz

About the museum

The Forum of Swiss History Schwyz opened in 1995 as the Central Switzerland house of the Swiss National Museum. It occupies the arsenal in Schwyz, a baroque building of 1711 that first stored grain and later military equipment. Behind the historic façade lies a contemporary, spacious interior fit-out that deliberately juxtaposes old and new.

The house sees itself as a modern history museum and as a place where cultural history is experienced and discussed. On the three upper floors, the permanent exhibition “The Origins of Switzerland” shows the period before and during the formation of the medieval Swiss Confederation. Numerous objects from all over Switzerland and abroad are combined with media stations and hands-on activities.

In the basement, changing exhibitions on regional and Central Swiss topics take place. The Forum belongs to the network of the Swiss National Museum, which also includes the Landesmuseum Zurich, the Château de Prangins and the collection centre in Affoltern am Albis. It offers tours, workshops, a digital audio guide as an app and a museum shop.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “The Origins of Switzerland” over three floors
• Baroque arsenal of 1711 with modern interior fit-out
• Free “Forum Schwyz” audio guide app in four languages
• Puzzle bag with the St. Bernard Beni and discovery case for families
• History Trail through the historic village centre of Schwyz

Permanent exhibition

• Entstehung Schweiz – Spread over three floors, the permanent exhibition shows how the Swiss Confederation took shape in the Middle Ages, with objects from all over Switzerland and media stations.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum

Visitors per year

approx. 25,340

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Swiss Museum Pass, Raiffeisen MemberPlus, Schwyzer Kantonalbank card, Schwyz Kultur+, for members of ICOM, ICOMOS and VMS, with foreigner’s permit N, S and F, for armed forces personnel in uniform, media professionals with a press card, and members of the Friends of the Landesmuseum Zurich, the Association des Amis du Château de Prangins and the Gesellschaft des Museums für Musikautomaten (each with proof). From 5 January 2027, the reduced admission rises to CHF 12 according to the museum.

Accessibility

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

Lift to all floors, accessible toilet in the basement, one wheelchair available to borrow (reservation recommended). Assistance for people with visual, hearing or mobility impairments by arrangement on +41 41 819 60 11.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Puzzle bag with the St. Bernard Beni and discovery case for the exhibition “The Origins of Switzerland”, “Little Knight” dress-up with photo, and the digital History Trail through the village centre. Several times a year, holiday workshops “Holiday Adventure Then and Now” (2–3:30 p.m.) take place.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A4, exit Schwyz, into the village centre. Because of a construction site, a step-free footpath is signposted from the bus stop and the car park.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with selected books, games and gifts matching the exhibitions.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit