Museo della Radio
Volunteer-run radio museum in the former medium-wave transmitting station on Monte Ceneri, open only once a month.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum came into being in 2000, when a group of former Swiss communications technology specialists decided to preserve the history of radio technology. In 2001 the Associazione Museo della Radio (AMRA) was founded; it now has more than 500 members and runs the museum on a voluntary basis. Swisscom provides the premises free of charge.
The museum is housed in the former Monte Ceneri national transmitting station, which broadcast medium-wave programmes from 1933 to 2008 and is now listed as a cultural property in the Ticino heritage inventory. The collection tells the story of radio communication from Guglielmo Marconi (1895) to the present day.
On display are radio receivers – the museum owns more than 750 sets in total – gramophones and record players, television sets, measuring instruments, transmitter components from installations across Switzerland, electron tubes, and telegraphy and telephone technology, right up to mobile phones starting with the Natel A. A teaching room vividly demonstrates phenomena involving radio waves.
Highlights
- More than 750 radio receivers from all stages of development
- Gramophones, televisions and measuring instruments illustrating the history of radio technology
- Components from transmitter installations across Switzerland and a collection of electron tubes
- Mobile phones from the Natel A to today
- Teaching room with demonstrations on radio waves
- Location in the former Monte Ceneri national transmitting station (1933–2008)
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Associazione Museo della Radio (AMRA)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is located on the grounds of the Piazza d’armi Monte Ceneri (military area). Inside the area the road climbs for a few hundred metres; the museum is signposted with a “Swisscom” sign.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours for adult groups and schools by arrangement; virtual tour on the website. |
