Freimaurer Museum Schweiz
Museum in the House of Freemasons in Bern with over 300 m² of exhibition space on the history, symbols and rituals of Freemasonry, with a Freemason as guide.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Swiss Freemason Museum became the country's first museum dedicated to Freemasonry. The setting was provided by the foundation Haus der Freimaurer, which bought and converted the former Swisscom headquarters at Jupiterstrasse 40; the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina has been based there since May 2013. The second floor, the former factory hall, was intended for the museum from the start; its construction and operation were taken over by the museum society, founded in the same year.
Thanks to donations and loans from Freemasons and lodges as well as numerous gifts and loans of objects, the museum could be set up. It opened on 21 March 2017 for Freemasons and their families, and on 4 November 2018 for the general public. In 2021 it was nominated for the European Museum Award.
Two thirds of the roughly 300 square metres of space is taken up by the exhibition, which introduces the international and Swiss history of Freemasonry, shows its intellectual and ritual world and presents its influence on public and cultural life. One third is reserved for events and special exhibitions. Every visit is accompanied by a Freemason who answers questions.
Highlights
- Exhibits from three centuries on the origins, symbols, rituals and values of Freemasonry
- Staged, fully labelled exhibition covering over 300 m²
- Every visit accompanied by a Freemason as guide
- Twelve-minute video tour on the website
- Swiss Masonic Lounge, originally designed as a museum café
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung zur Freimaurerei – The staged exhibition introduces the international and Swiss history of Freemasonry and shows symbols, rituals and values through exhibits from three centuries.
- Founded
- 2018
- Operated by
- Museumsgesellschaft FMS (Haus der Freimaurer)
- Director
- Robin Heizmann
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 20 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 15Students |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 15 |
Admission is free for members of the museum (annual membership CHF 35).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Saali
Tram 8 from Bern station to the terminus Saali.
By car
Parking available
Parking spaces in front of and beside the building.
By car: motorway exit Ostring.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The Swiss Masonic Lounge (200 m², own kitchen and bar) can be rented for workshops, conferences, celebrations and concerts; guide prices: short meeting from CHF 100, half day from CHF 200, full day from CHF 300, evening from CHF 350. Enquiries to lounge@freimaurermuseum.ch.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A Freemason is available as a guide on every visit; according to the museum, an hour or two passes quickly during the tour and conversation. Group tours during the week on request. |
