Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Follow organizer

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.

Photo: Marc Latzel
Photo: Marc Latzel
Photo: Marc Latzel
Photo: Marc Latzel
Photo: Kathrin Leuenberger
The Ethnographic Museum UZH in the Old Botanical Garden. Photo: Stefan Walter

Our Events

Zürich liest: "The Thingy"

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Zürich liest: "The Thingy" (in English)

Hey, what’s that thing called again? You know, the thingy that does the thing? In this story corner we’ll playfully explore how we name things: through ...

21.10.2026

16:00

Zurich Reads: "Benin and Back"

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Zürich liest: "Benin and Back" (in English)

Award-winning British Nigerian poet Inua Ellams presents newly created works in response to the restitution of the "Benin Bronzes" by Swiss museums this ...

21.10.2026

19:00

Anonyms

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Anonyms (in English)

Join acclaimed poet, playwright and performer Inua Ellams for Anonyms, a vibrant, poignant exploration of names, etymology and inheritance: how we are ...

22.10.2026

14:15

Photo: Marc Latzel

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Guided Tour in "Renaming" (in English)

The exhibition "Renaming" Names are powerful. They shape how we understand ourselves, how others relate to us, and how we make sense of the world around ...

05.11.2026

18:00

My name is Eeooow

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

My name is Eeooow

What happens when a name is sung, not spoken? In Khongthong village in the Khasi Hills in India, names have protective qualities and are sung or whistled. ...

05.11.2026

19:00

Empire. Plunder. Resistance.

Völkerkundemuseum Universität Zürich

Empire. Plunder. Resistance.

An evening with Dr Ernest Sewordor, global urban historian University of Basel, and award-winning journalist and historian Barnaby Phillips to discuss his ...

19.11.2026

19:00