Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

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The Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich is a social anthropology science museum and the third oldest ethnographic museum in Switzerland. In research, teaching and public outreach activities, it focuses "On Human Skill" and shows the full range and diversity of human competences.

In exchange with members or descendants of those communities of origin who once invented, produced and used them, the objects in our collections are explored under topical questions and, if possible, researched collaboratively. The origin of these objects and the circumstances of their acquisition, as well as the colonial past of collections, are also addressed. And (self-) critical questions are asked about who actually talks about cultures and societies and how they are represented.

Thus, as a place of dialogue, the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich encourages reflection on what it means to be human.

Empfang

+41 (0)44 634 90 11

Kommunikation

+41 (0)44 634 90 29

Email

musethno@vmz.uzh.ch

Website

www.musethno.uzh.ch

Accessibility

Menschen mit Mobilitätsbehinderungen

Bedeutung der Piktogramme.

Wheelchair access is provided throughout the museum. An elevator enables entry to the entrance area, the exhibitions in the foyer, the exhibits in the first and second floor as well as the backstage of the auditorium. Please contact the reception in order to use the the elevator. Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are located in the basement, which can also be reached by elevator.

The Ethnographic Museum UZH in the Old Botanical Garden. Photo: Stefan Walter

Our Events

Foto: Kathrin Leuenberger

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Symphởny of Spices – Vietnamese Roots, Global Routes

This exhibition traces the roots and routes of star anise, cinnamon and cardamom from northern Vietnam, the spice triad of phở soup and mulled wine.

until 13.09.2026

Rumble in the Archive. Interventions on Postcolonial Zurich

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Rumble in the Archive. Interventions on Postcolonial Zurich

Not a traditional exhibition, but a space in motion: invited residents from the arts, science and civil society are designing it collaboratively.

until 27.09.2026

A tour of ‘Rumble in the Archive’

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

A tour of ‘Rumble in the Archive’

The participating residents guide visitors through the evolving, multifaceted archive on Zurich’s colonial history and postcolonial present.

30.07.2026

18:00

More dates available

A tour of ‘Rumble in the Archive’

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

A tour of ‘Rumble in the Archive’

The participating residents guide visitors through the evolving, multifaceted archive on Zurich’s colonial history and postcolonial present.

27.08.2026

18:00

More dates available

Foto: Alessandro della Bella

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Scientifica – ‘How we create knowledge’

The UZH Museum of Ethnology will be taking part in the next edition of Switzerland’s largest science festival.

29.08.2026

11:00

Marc Latzel

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Guided tour of ‘Symphony of Spices’

The exhibition traces the origins of star anise, cinnamon and cardamom from Vietnam – the trio of spices found in phở noodle soup and mulled wine.

30.08.2026

15:00