Swiss, Indoors

Switzerland’s enviable past has ensured that a vast range of museums can make the visitor rediscover the country, Says Suman Tarafdar.

- Suman Tarafdar

Have the words ‘Grand Tour’ in Switzerland meant taking in the unparalleled views while riding the scenic mountain railways? Well, it’s time for a bit of culture in your life, the manmade kind.

For all its rather obvious charms, Switzerland is also a land steeped in history which has over the last few centuries seen the nation prosper in technology and the fine arts. And the best way to access all this? Through a museum tour, of course. The nation may look small, but you would be well advised to do some homework before embarking on any such trip—there are museums and museums. All of Switzerland’s leading cities (and towns) have multiple museums worth visiting and unless you are posted in the country, make a list. Being sort of inclined to history and art, mine went something like this:

KUNSTHAUS ZURICH (MUSEUM OF ART)

I actually started with a modern art museum, though Kunsthaus houses works by leading European masters from previous centuries such as Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Manet and many others. I was more interested in Swiss painters, and the permanent collection here includes Alberto Giacometti, whose skinny, raw images set the trend in sculpture for decades. The Met in NYC has a part of his works, but the most significant ones are here in a gallery of their own. Then there is the largest Edvard Munch collection outside of Norway. For fans of modern art, satiate yourself with Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, etc. Actually, as the largest art museum in the country, there’s so much more, including travelling exhibitions. Another pleasure, this centrally located museum is exceptionally well lit and with a new extension complete, art aficionados need to budget quite a few hours, or till they can no longer stand! No, nobody said museum tours were easy on your feet, nor are there people serving free champagne!