Judisches Museum der Schweiz

The Judisches Museum der Schweiz (Jewish Museum of Switzerland) is a compact but insightful museum located in a historic building on Kornhausgasse in Basel. The museum traces the history, religion, and everyday life of Jewish communities in Switzerland from the Middle Ages to the present. Its permanent collection includes a wide array of ceremonial objects, such as Torah scrolls, menorahs, and spice boxes, as well as documents, photographs, and textiles that tell personal stories. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific themes or contemporary Jewish life. Visiting the museum offers a quiet, contemplative experience; the displays are well-curated with multilingual labels. The building itself is part of the old town, adding to the sense of history. What makes it distinctive is its focus on the Swiss Jewish experience, a niche often overlooked in broader European Jewish museums. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of a minority community that has contributed significantly to Swiss culture.

Don't miss

• A 17th-century Torah scroll from the Alsace region, beautifully restored.
• A collection of intricate spice boxes used in Havdalah ceremonies.
• Temporary exhibitions on topics like Jewish artists in Switzerland.
• A rare 18th-century ketubah (marriage contract) from the Basel community.
• Personal artifacts from Swiss Jewish families, including letters and photographs.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Judisches Museum der Schweiz

Cheapest way inPast and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour4.9★ · 293 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Most bookedStories of Basel's Old Town4.4★ · 210 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$32 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleSwiss Experience: Chocolate Tasting and City Tour of Basel5★ · 25 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$110 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.
• Photography is usually allowed without flash, but check signs in each room.
• The museum is closed on Jewish holidays; check the calendar online before your visit.
• The museum shop offers a good selection of books on Jewish history and culture.

A bit of history

Founded in 1966, the Jewish Museum of Switzerland is the oldest Jewish museum in the German-speaking world. It was established to preserve and present the heritage of Swiss Jews, who have lived in the region since the Middle Ages, despite periods of expulsion and discrimination.