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.
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.
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Our Events
Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich
Opening the Dialogue
Following the previous day’s vernissage, the three co-curators will open the dialogue in the exhibition space and invite you to take part.
The exhibition ...
04.12.2026
15:00
Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich
Guided Tour in "The Sun Hits Us First"
The exhibition "The Sun Hits Us First"
Developed in close collaboration with Kawésqar from Southern Chile and Iivid Inuit from East Greenland, the ...
27.12.2026
15:00
Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich
Hello, My Name Is ...
Have you ever wondered about your name? Where it came from and who else might have carried it before you? Names have (hi)stories and in this story corner ...
20.01.2027
16:00
Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich
Führung in «Die Sonne trifft zuerst auf uns»
Die Ausstellung «Die Sonne trifft zuerst auf uns»
Kawésqar aus Südchile und Iivid-Inuit aus Ostgrönland entwickelten diese Ausstellung in enger ...
21.01.2027
18:00
More dates available
Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich
Führung in «Die Sonne trifft zuerst auf uns»
Die Ausstellung «Die Sonne trifft zuerst auf uns»
Kawésqar aus Südchile und Iivid-Inuit aus Ostgrönland entwickelten diese Ausstellung in enger ...
07.02.2027
15:00
More dates available
Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich
Führung in «Die Sonne trifft zuerst auf uns»
Die Ausstellung «Die Sonne trifft zuerst auf uns»
Kawésqar aus Südchile und Iivid-Inuit aus Ostgrönland entwickelten diese Ausstellung in enger ...