Exhibition | accessibility.time_to
Warfare, past and present, has been a defining element of Switzerland’s history. The exhibition brings together a variety of perspectives, showing how ‒ from the late Middle Ages to the present day ‒ wars have influenced the nation’s political structures, economic interests and social order.
From the identity-building myths surrounding the Battle of Murten, to internal conflicts like the Peasant War of 1653 and the Sonderbund War of 1847, right through to the latent threat posed by the Second World War: warfare in all its forms has shaped the way Switzerland sees itself. Whether fought on the territory of modern-day Switzerland or elsewhere, wars can be seen to have given rise to new power relationships and social tensions – leading, for example, to the accumulation of capital through the trade in arms and mercenaries, heightened class conflict and changing gender roles.
Switzerland’s image of itself as a neutral state that promotes peace continues to play a key role to this day, especially in the foreign policy arena. In the dynamic space between threat and diplomacy, Switzerland has been able to carve out a certain amount of leeway, using its neutrality to safeguard security and foster peace. The objects and stories presented in the exhibition encourage visitors to question popular views of Switzerland’s relationship with war and to engage with a topic that often seems distant, but which is etched deeply in the collective memory.
13:30 – 14:30 Uhr
Guided tour
11:30 – 12:30 Uhr
Guided tour
13:30 – 14:30 Uhr
Guided tour
18:00 – 19:00 Uhr
Guided tour
13:30 – 14:30 Uhr
Guided tour
Wars have acted on Switzerland for centuries. In what way did they have impact on the creation of the modern federal state? How does Switzerland benefit economically from wars? The guided tour shows how the Swiss and their army responded to wars over time, and what options Switzerland has with regard international peace policy.
Tour: 1 hour
Guided tours can be arranged outside opening hours: Mon between 9.30 am and 6 pm, Tue to Fri between 9.30 am and 7.45 pm. Sat and Sun between 10 am and 5 pm
| Registration: |
2 weeks in advance |
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Duration: |
60 minutes; special packages can be offered on request |
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Group size: |
max. 25 participants per tour |
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Languages: |
English, German, Italian, French. Other offers upon request. |
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Cost: |
CHF 180 for the guided tour + CHF 10 admission per person Children up to 16 years free. For groups of persons with permit N, S, F, the guided tour and admission are free of charge. |
Monday till Friday 09:00 - 12:30
Wars have acted on Switzerland for centuries. In what way did they have impact on the creation of the modern federal state? How does Switzerland benefit economically from wars? The guided tour shows how the Swiss and their army responded to wars over time, and what options Switzerland has with regard international peace policy.
Guided tour: 1 hour
Guided tours are free of charge for school classes from Switzerland.
Please be aware that some of the content in this exhibition may be disturbing to pupils.
Guided tours in English can be arranged, even outside opening hours. Guided tours are free of charge for school classes from Switzerland.
| Booking: |
at least 2 weeks in advance |
|
|
Duration: |
1 hour guided tours, other services by prior arrangement |
|
|
Group size: |
max. 25 people |
|
|
Cost: |
Guided tours for school classes from Switzerland are free of charge. |
Monday till Friday 09:00 - 12:30
Children and teenagers encounter war in the media, some even in their personal lives. What impact do war reports have, and what options do we have for dealing with them? What does Switzerland do to promote international peace? On the tour, students explore the process of peace building and, by doing so, discover how this is linked to conflict resolution strategies in everyday life.
Guided tour: 1 hour
Guided tours are free of charge for school classes from Switzerland.
Please be aware that some of the content in this exhibition may be disturbing to pupils.
Guided tours in English can be arranged, even outside opening hours. Guided tours are free of charge for school classes from Switzerland.
| Booking: |
at least 2 weeks in advance |
|
|
Duration: |
1 hour guided tours, other services by prior arrangement |
|
|
Group size: |
max. 25 people |
|
|
Cost: |
Guided tours for school classes from Switzerland are free of charge. |
Monday till Friday 09:00 - 12:30
The media conference on the exhibition is taking place on 15.04.2026 at 10:00 at the National Museum Zurich.
The media folder and materials are available for download from this date.
