Prehistory and Antiquity

The archaeology exhibit area can be found immediately after the museum entrance. Under the heading “The past is in the ground – from the beginnings to the year 800” you will discover a wide range of found objects from various eras, from one of Switzerland’s most ancient archaeological finds, a flint tool roughly 100,000 years old, to gold jewellery worn by a woman in the 8th century of the common era.

The rich store of material relates to topics such as trade, nourishment, residential habits, society, religion and death and dying. Human life has been affected by a variety of traditions and developments over the course of centuries.

Objects found in all regions of present-day Switzerland are displayed both in large showcases and in open areas. These are supplemented by watercolours and selected models to offer a glimpse of life in ancient times.

The highlights include a variety of gold treasures, such as the Celtic find from Erstfeld, in the canton of Uri.

Go to The Renaissance, Humanism and the Reformation