Historisches Museum Uri
Cantonal cultural museum run by the Historischer Verein Uri in a neo-Gothic building of 1906 with collections on the history and art of Uri.
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About the museum
The Historical Museum of Uri is regarded as the cantonal museum, but it belongs neither to the canton nor to a foundation; it is run by the Historischer Verein Uri. The neo-Gothic building on Gotthardstrasse was designed in 1906 by the Lucerne architect Wilhelm Hanauer. In 1938 an armoury was added as an extension. From 1998 to 2000 the old building was restored in line with conservation requirements and extended with a modern new building that encloses the armoury. In 2001 the museum received the Dätwyler Prize.
The permanent exhibition leads through the culture and history of Uri: from the first traces of human presence in Uri through the Middle Ages, the Church and transport to the military, clothing and housing. The focus is on religious art with a significant collection of wooden sculptures, portraits, a replica of the Celtic gold treasure of Erstfeld, the Alemannic grave of Altdorf, models of Uri castles, flags, weapons, traditional costumes as well as folk customs and popular piety.
The Historical Society also organises two special exhibitions every year; in winter the focus is traditionally on nativity scenes and Christmas decorations. There are special programmes and tours for schools and families, and the main hall can be hired for aperitifs.
Highlights
- Replica of the Celtic gold treasure of Erstfeld
- Alemannic grave of Altdorf
- Significant collection of religious wooden sculptures
- Models of Uri castles, flags, weapons and traditional costumes
- Neo-Gothic museum building of 1906 with a modern extension
Permanent exhibition
- Ständige Ausstellung zur Urner Geschichte und Kultur – The rooms show, among other things, the first traces of human presence in Uri, the Middle Ages, the Church, transport, the Renaissance, the military and weapons, as well as clothing and housing.
- Operated by
- Historischer Verein Uri
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | CHF 2free up to age 6 · Young people up to 16 years; children up to 6 years free |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 5 per personGroups of 10 or more people CHF 5 each |
| Families | CHF 10Family ticket |
| School class: museum tour (1 hr.) | CHF 36Per class (8 to 26 people) for schools in Uri, admission included; schools from other cantons CHF 120 |
| School class: workshop (1.5 hrs.) | CHF 51Per class (8 to 26 people) for schools in Uri, admission included; schools from other cantons CHF 170 |
Family ticket CHF 10. According to the website, the prices for school programmes apply to school classes from Uri (30 per cent of the actual costs).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | CHF 10 · Family ticket |
- Family tours & workshops
Special programmes and tours have been developed for schools and families; children up to 6 years have free admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Frauenkloster
By bus from Flüelen railway station to the "Frauenkloster" stop.
By car
Parking available
The museum has three car parking spaces of its own; more parking is available in the village centre of Altdorf.
The museum is about a 7-minute walk from the village centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The museum's main hall can be booked for family or corporate aperitifs (information 041 870 19 06).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group tours and visits outside normal opening hours on request. For school classes a museum educator offers tours and workshops (1.5 hrs.). |
