All profession & craft museums to visit in Switzerland

Discover the skills and trades that have shaped societies at 26 profession and craft museums in Switzerland. These museums highlight the history and techniques of various professions and crafts.

Are you interested in the art of craftsmanship? These are the must-visit profession and craft museums in Switzerland:

  1. Museum of History1

    Museum of History

     Lucerne
    The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects that tell the story of the city and canton of Lucerne. Among these are spoils from various battles, including the chainmail of Duke Leopold of Habsburg, who fell in the Battle of Sempach. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the region's past.
  2. Centre international de la Mécanique d'Art2

    Centre international de la Mécanique d'Art

     Sainte-Croix
    The Automates and Music Boxes Museum, located in the International Centre for Art Mechanics (Cima) in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, is a unique destination dedicated to the art of automata and music boxes. Visitors can explore the intricate mechanics and history of these fascinating objects, immersing themselves in a world of creativity and craftsmanship.
  3. Glasi Hergiswill3

    Glasi Hergiswill

     Hergiswil (NW)
    Glasi Hergiswil, also known as Hergiswiler Glas AG, is a glassworks company founded by the Siegwart brothers in 1817 in Hergiswil, Nidwalden. The company is renowned for its exclusively handmade glassworks, a tradition that has been maintained since its inception. This unique aspect of the company offers a rare insight into traditional glassmaking techniques.
  4. Shoe Museum4

    Shoe Museum

     Lausanne
    The Shoe Museum is situated in the beautiful city of Lausanne, Switzerland. This location is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its numerous museums, including the Shoe Museum.
  5. Nähmaschinen-Museum5

    Nähmaschinen-Museum

     Dürnten
    The Nähmaschinen-Museum, located in Dürnten, is a technology museum that provides a comprehensive look into the history of the mechanical sewing machine. It is an ideal destination for those interested in technology, history, and the evolution of everyday objects.
  6. Schreibmaschinenmuseum Beck6

    Schreibmaschinenmuseum Beck

     Pfäffikon ZH
    The Schreibmaschinenmuseum Beck, located in Zurich, is a unique institution that showcases the evolution of writing and office automation. With a collection of around 300 exhibits, visitors can explore the history and development of these machines, providing a fascinating insight into the technological advancements of the past.
  7. Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona7

    Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona

     Rapperswil-Jona
    The Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona, founded in 1943, is located in the Breny House and its corresponding tower. This museum is situated in the heart of the old town of Rapperswil, a part of the Swiss municipality of Rapperswil-Jona in the canton of St. Gallen. The museum is a significant part of the local history and culture, making it a point of interest for tourists.
  8. Ortsmuseum Hinwil8

    Ortsmuseum Hinwil

     Ringwil
    The Ortsmuseum Hinwil is a memory institution situated in Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland. The museum is housed in an 18th-century Flarz and Riegelhaus, a traditional Swiss building, along with three additional outbuildings. This setting provides a unique and authentic backdrop for the museum's exhibits, immersing visitors in the historical context of the region.
  9. Swiss Puppet Museum9

    Swiss Puppet Museum

     Freiburg
    The Swiss Puppet Museum, nestled in the heart of Fribourg, Switzerland, is a unique cultural institution dedicated to the art of puppetry. Founded in 1985 by Jean Bindschedler and Marie-José Aebi, the museum has since become a significant attraction for both locals and tourists alike. It offers a fascinating insight into the world of puppetry, showcasing a diverse collection of puppets from around the globe.
  10. Uhrenmuseum zum Rösli10

    Uhrenmuseum zum Rösli

     Zurich
    The Uhrenmuseum Zum Rösli in Zurich is a unique museum that houses a collection of clocks dating from 1450 to 1950. This extensive collection showcases around 500 table, wall, and standing clocks, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolution of timekeeping devices over five centuries. The museum is a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of clockmakers throughout history.
  11. Alprose Chocolate Museum11

    Alprose Chocolate Museum

     Caslano
    Alprose produces a wide variety of chocolate products, including chocolate bars, napolitains, and dragées. The company also takes pride in its environmentally friendly practices, claiming to produce its chocolates in a CO2-neutral manner. This commitment to sustainability is a key aspect of Alprose's operations and is likely to appeal to environmentally conscious visitors.
  12. Ortsmuseum Hinwil12

    Ortsmuseum Hinwil

     Wernetshausen
    The Ortsmuseum Hinwil is a memory institution situated in Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland. The museum is housed in an 18th-century Flarz and Riegelhaus, a traditional Swiss building, along with three additional outbuildings. This setting provides a unique and authentic backdrop for the museum's exhibits, immersing visitors in the historical context of the region.
  13. Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel13

    Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel

     Basel
    The Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel, founded in 1924 by Josef Anton Häfliger, is a unique institution that provides a comprehensive look into the history of remedies and their production. The museum houses one of the world's largest and most significant collections of pharmacy-related objects, making it a unique destination in Switzerland. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including pharmacy ceramics, entire pharmacy furnishings, an alchemist's laboratory, mortars, travel pharmacies, books, and medicines from earlier times.
  14. Feuerwehrmuseum Basel14

    Feuerwehrmuseum Basel

     Basel
    The Feuerwehrmuseum Basel is a unique destination that offers a deep dive into the history of firefighting. The museum's exhibits, some of which are on permanent loan from the Historical Museum Basel, date back to the 13th century. This provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of firefighting techniques and equipment over the centuries.
  15. Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum15

    Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum

     Stein (AR)
    The Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum, located in Stein, is a folklore museum that offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region. It is a place where visitors can learn about the traditional practices and lifestyle of the local people.
  16. Fricktaler Museum16

    Fricktaler Museum

     Rheinfelden
    The Fricktaler Museum, situated in Rheinfelden in the canton of Aargau, is a historical regional museum. It is dedicated to the history of the city of Rheinfelden and the Fricktal region. This museum provides a deep dive into the past, offering a comprehensive understanding of the region's history.
  17. Toggenburger Schmiede- & Werkzeugmuseum17

    Toggenburger Schmiede- & Werkzeugmuseum

     Kirchberg (SG)
    The Toggenburger Schmiede- und Werkzeugmuseum Bazenheid is situated in Bazenheid, a town in the Toggenburg region of the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for those interested in the history of craftsmanship and tool-making.
  18. Basel Paper Mill18

    Basel Paper Mill

     Basel
    The Basel Paper Mill, also known as the Swiss Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing, is a unique museum located in the Swiss city of Basel. The museum's primary focus is on the history and techniques of paper production, the art of book printing, bookbinding and writing. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of these crafts and their historical significance.
  19. International Museum of Horology19

    International Museum of Horology

     La Chaux-de-Fonds
    The International Museum of Horology, also known as Musée international d’horlogerie or MIH, is situated in the Swiss city of La Chaux-de-Fonds. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in the history and evolution of timekeeping devices.
  20. Museum Mühlerama20

    Museum Mühlerama

     Zurich
    In 1913, the brewery was purchased by millers Wehrli & Koller, who converted the main building into a large mill for the time, using electric group drive. This mill was one of the last examples of vertical group drive mechanics, a system where a single motor drove the entire facility through numerous belts and shafts. The mill operated until 1983, marking a significant period in the history of the building.
  21. Museum of the Leventina21

    Museum of the Leventina

     Giornico
    The Museo di Leventina is situated in the picturesque town of Giornico, nestled in the Valle Leventina of the Swiss canton of Ticino. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
  22. Ortsmuseum Dietikon22

    Ortsmuseum Dietikon

     Dietikon
    The Ortsmuseum Dietikon is a local history museum situated in the municipality of Dietikon, in the Swiss canton of Zurich. It is housed in the Villa Strohmeier, a neoclassical style building constructed in 1927 by banker Walter Strohmeier-Schefold. The museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Dietikon, making it a significant point of interest for tourists.
  23. Musée du Bois23

    Musée du Bois

     Aubonne
    The Musée du Bois is situated in the picturesque town of Aubonne, Switzerland. It is nestled within the farm of the National Arboretum of the Aubonne Valley, providing a unique setting for the museum. This location not only offers a rich cultural experience but also a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
  24. 24

    Musée de la machine à écrire

     Lausanne
    The Typewriter Museum is a unique institution located in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland. It offers visitors a chance to explore the history and evolution of typewriters and calculators, with a special focus on the Perrier collection. The museum is a testament to the technological advancements of the past and provides a fascinating insight into the tools that were once essential for communication and computation.
  25. 25

    Swiss Bier Museum

     Freiburg
    Museum run by Cardinal brewery will introduce you into the process of beer brewing, its peculiarities and history.
  26. 26

    Longines Museum

     Saint-Imier
    This museum illustrates the history of Longines by displaying the wide range of products, documents and advertisements.