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Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation

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At the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation in Schwyz, you can see Switzerland’s most famous historic document: the Federal Charter of 1291, long regarded as the founding document of the Old Swiss Confederacy. Here, you will learn not only about this exceptional document but also the history of the Old Swiss Confederacy and its myths.

Experience Swiss history

The exhibition at the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation explains the history of the Old Swiss Confederacy: the alliance policy of the Old Confederacy, its many conflicts and compromises, life in medieval times and, of course, the famous battles of Morgarten and Marignano. These different stages of our history are presented via original documents and an impressive collection of flags.

Facts and myths

The exhibition revolves around the Federal Charter of 1291. The exhibition tells the history of this exceptional document and explains what the Federal Charter has to do with Wilhelm Tell and its links to the Rütli Oath. To this day, there are unanswered questions concerning this document. The museum makes clear that the Federal Charter contains a little of both: myth and history.

Myths as part of Swiss culture

Myths are generally an important topic at the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation: where do the stories of Wilhelm Tell and the Rütli Oath originate from? How much historical evidence is there of either? The museum uses lots of images and films and a simple approach to explaining the importance that national myths have played, and continue to play, in Swiss culture and the self-image of its citizens.

Offer

The Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation offers a condensed round tour through the history of the Old Swiss Confederacy and modern Switzerland, and provides lots of background information on Swiss culture.

The museum is well-worth a visit – whether as an individual, as part of a guided group tour, or as a guest at one of the many talks and public guided tours. Before leaving the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation, you can quench your thirst while enjoying a view of the park at the museum’s café.

Information

Opening times

Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Monday: closed

Prices

Adults CHF 5.00
Concessions CHF 2.50

Guided tours

Groups of up to 15 people 90.00
Every additional person 6.00

The tours last approx. 60 minutes.
Public guided tours, talks and all offers for school groups are free of charge.
Guided tours by appointment, drinks receptions on request.
Guided tours with/without drinks reception also available outside the normal opening times on request.

 

Location and contact

Bundesbriefmuseum Schwyz
Bahnhofstrasse 20
6430 Schwyz
+41 (0)41 819 20 64
bundesbriefmuseumsz.ch
www.bundesbrief.ch