Marco the Marmot Visits the Swiss National Museum in Zurich

A Curious Marmot Meets Swiss History

On one of his cultural stops through Switzerland, Marco the Marmot paid a visit to the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich), a striking building just beside Zurich’s main train station. With its fairy-tale towers and modern wing, it’s one of the most important museums in the country.

Inside, Marco found what he loves most: interactive learning, local stories, and objects that bring Swiss heritage to life.

What Marco Discovered Inside

The Swiss National Museum covers centuries of Swiss history and culture and Marco explored some of the museum’s most memorable spaces:

🌍 The Giant Globe (Weltanschauung)

As Marco explored the museum’s upper floor, one object stopped him in his tracks: the giant celestial and terrestrial globe, one of the most striking artifacts in the entire museum.

This monumental globe, created in the 16th century, is one of the most significant objects in Swiss cultural history. At a time when the world was still being mapped, it represented how people in Switzerland — and Europe — understood geography, astronomy, and exploration.

The globe is beautifully hand-painted, showing not only the continents but also ships, mythical sea creatures, and constellations. It reflects the scientific imagination and craftsmanship of the Renaissance, and it gives visitors including the curious marmot; a chance to see the world through the eyes of people living 500 years ago.

For Marco, it wasn’t just a big ball. It was a moment of perspective: a reminder that Switzerland has always been part of a bigger world. One filled with stories, maps, and dreams.

🛡️ The Arms and Armour Collection

Marco stepped into a room filled with medieval weapons, knight’s armor, and historic shields. He imagined what life was like for soldiers and townsfolk centuries ago. For young visitors, this is often one of the most exciting galleries, thanks to its dramatic lighting and real-life artifacts.

🎨 Swiss Culture & Everyday Life

Marco also visited the section about traditional Swiss life with reconstructions of rooms, tools, costumes, and furniture. These exhibits showed how people worked, dressed, and lived in the mountains and villages. He saw examples from different cantons and time periods, reminding visitors that Switzerland has many identities under one flag.

🧸 Children’s Exhibit Area

Although Marco didn't attend a specific workshop, he noticed that the museum includes spaces designed for children, where younger visitors can draw, touch, and even play with creative objects. It made the experience more friendly for families walking through together.

A Calm, Reflective Stop in Busy Zurich

Unlike his stadium adventures, Marco’s visit to the museum was quiet, thoughtful, and peaceful. He took time to stop and observe, learning something in every room.

The museum also overlooks the Platzspitz Park and the river Sihl, giving Marco the chance to enjoy some nature after his indoor visit. It was a well-balanced stop that fit perfectly into his mission to show children and families the many sides of Switzerland.

Why This Visit Matters

Marco's presence in the Swiss National Museum is more than just a cute appearance.  It shows that cultural education can be fun, accessible, and family-friendly. He doesn’t explain everything, he invites children to look, ask, and explore for themselves.

His visit encourages families to:

• Spend time discovering Swiss heritage

• Talk about the objects they see together

• Add museums to their travel plans, not just tourist spots

 

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich), Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich🕒 Tip: Mornings are usually quieter — perfect for younger kids or classroom visits🎟️ Free entry for under 16s🚂 Just a 2-minute walk from Zürich HB

Follow Marco’s Journey

Marco continues to visit places across Switzerland from castles and museums to lakes and festivals. His goal is simple: to help children learn more about Switzerland in a joyful, curious, and approachable way.

You can follow his adventures at MarcoLovesSwitzerland.ch or on Instagram @MarcoTheMarmot