Forum of Swiss History Schwyz
In the baroque granary of 1711 in the centre of Schwyz, the Swiss National Museum tells how valleys, monasteries and trade routes became the Confederation. Three floors lead from the 12th to the 14th century, with a knight on horseback and a walk-in parlour from the year 1311.
- Type
- Museum ticket, valid for 1 day
- Duration
- 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace
- Start
- Hofmatt, Zeughausstrasse 5, Schwyz
- Season
- all year, Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays
- Operator
- Swiss National Museum
- Language
- Exhibition in German, French, Italian and English
What to expect
The permanent exhibition is called «The Making of Switzerland» («Entstehung Schweiz») and is laid out as a tour through the building. It begins in the attic with a life-size knight on horseback and leads down past a scriptorium, chancery and market stall to the feuds and alliances of the valley communities. Its centrepiece is the Schwarze Stube, a log-built room of 1311 from Schwyz that you can step into. An artificial forest with a virtual guide and a room on Tell, Winkelried and the Rütli round off the tour. An audio guide or the museum's free app accompanies you through the rooms.
Until 2 May 2027 the lower floor hosts the temporary exhibition «Tourism. Destination Switzerland» («Tourismus. Reiseziel Schweiz»). It shows how Switzerland became a travel destination, with a walk-in hotel reception and a two-seater chairlift that ran in Sattel-Hochstuckli until 2005.
The building was erected in 1711 as a granary and arsenal. Since 1995 it has been the National Museum's home in Central Switzerland.
Getting there and meeting point
Schwyz station is in Seewen. From there bus 501 towards Muotathal runs to the Schwyz Zentrum stop; the museum is directly opposite. By car, take the Schwyz exit on the A4 and park in the Hofmatt car park next to the museum. Because of building work the usual access is currently diverted; the alternative route is step-free and signposted.
Good to know
Children and young people up to 16 have free admission. Holders of the Swiss Museum Pass or a Raiffeisen member card also get in free. For families there is a discovery case for children aged four to nine, a puzzle bag for the temporary exhibition and a photo station where children dress up as knights or noblewomen. Pushchairs stay at reception, where a buggy and baby carriers are available. The building has a lift to all floors and a wheelchair to borrow on prior request. Photography without flash is permitted.
Not included in the ticket is the canton's Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation (Bundesbriefmuseum) on Bahnhofstrasse, a few minutes' walk away. That is where the Federal Charter of 1291 is kept. Together the two museums fill a day in Schwyz.
Tip: The Forum is a good choice for rainy days. If you have time afterwards, walk the few steps to the Hauptplatz with the town hall and its frescoes.
