There is no such thing as one Swiss folk music - rather, it is characterized by regional characteristics, different instruments and changing melodies. The new "Folk Music" exhibition at the Forum Schweizer Geschichte Schwyz takes visitors on a cultural and historical journey through the sounds of Switzerland and shows how the "myth of folk music" was created and is constantly being reinterpreted.
The exhibition focuses on four formative elements of Swiss musical culture: the Schwyzerörgeli, which revolutionized folk music around 1886 and replaced traditional string and wind instruments in many places; the alphorn, which has been specifically promoted as a national symbol since the Unspunnen Festival in 1805; the hammered dulcimer, which found its way from Persia to the Säntis region; and the yodel, which ranges from textless natural yodelling to club-organized singing competitions.
The exhibition sheds light on how folk music sounds different in all regions of Switzerland: In Central Switzerland, the Ländler stronghold developed, in Appenzell string music was preserved, in Graubünden the "Fränzlis" and "Sepplis" shaped the soundscape, in Ticino the "Bandellas" performed, and in French-speaking Switzerland much was lost due to the Reformation.
"Folk Music" is a hands-on exhibition: On a stage in the middle of the room, visitors are invited to play horns, yodel and dance. Music stands with instructions invite visitors to try their hand at music. The exhibition also conveys regional differences in an entertaining way: What is booming in Central Switzerland often sounds very different in Ticino, Graubünden or French-speaking Switzerland.
Particularly exciting: the changes in the 20th century - from the simple Ländler to the politicization of music to "new folk music". Tradition meets innovation, TV folklore meets folk festivals, a sense of home meets critical awareness.
Education and family experience
The exhibition offers a varied supporting program aimed at all generations. From concerts and workshops to guided tours with experts, the museum becomes a sound space. Tailor-made educational programs are available for school classes. An interactive audio guide for children accompanies young visitors on a sonorous journey of discovery through the exhibition - lively, playful and informative.
Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.
Monday closed
The exhibition focuses on four formative elements of Swiss musical culture: the Schwyzerörgeli, which revolutionized folk music around 1886 and replaced traditional string and wind instruments in many places; the alphorn, which has been specifically promoted as a national symbol since the Unspunnen Festival in 1805; the hammered dulcimer, which found its way from Persia to the Säntis region; and the yodel, which ranges from textless natural yodelling to club-organized singing competitions.
The exhibition sheds light on how folk music sounds different in all regions of Switzerland: In Central Switzerland, the Ländler stronghold developed, in Appenzell string music was preserved, in Graubünden the "Fränzlis" and "Sepplis" shaped the soundscape, in Ticino the "Bandellas" performed, and in French-speaking Switzerland much was lost due to the Reformation.
"Folk Music" is a hands-on exhibition: On a stage in the middle of the room, visitors are invited to play horns, yodel and dance. Music stands with instructions invite visitors to try their hand at music. The exhibition also conveys regional differences in an entertaining way: What is booming in Central Switzerland often sounds very different in Ticino, Graubünden or French-speaking Switzerland.
Particularly exciting: the changes in the 20th century - from the simple Ländler to the politicization of music to "new folk music". Tradition meets innovation, TV folklore meets folk festivals, a sense of home meets critical awareness.
Education and family experience
The exhibition offers a varied supporting program aimed at all generations. From concerts and workshops to guided tours with experts, the museum becomes a sound space. Tailor-made educational programs are available for school classes. An interactive audio guide for children accompanies young visitors on a sonorous journey of discovery through the exhibition - lively, playful and informative.
Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.
Monday closed
Dates
Saturday, the 14.06.2025
10:00 - 17:00 o'clock
Sunday, the 15.06.2025
10:00 - 17:00 o'clock
Tuesday, the 17.06.2025
10:00 - 17:00 o'clock
Good to know
Price info
Adults: CHF 13.00
Reduced (AHV, IV, RAV, pupils, students): CHF 10.00
Free admission for children and young people up to the age of 16
Annual pass (valid for all buildings of the Swiss National Museum): CHF 35.00
Reduced (AHV, IV, RAV, pupils, students): CHF 10.00
Free admission for children and young people up to the age of 16
Annual pass (valid for all buildings of the Swiss National Museum): CHF 35.00
Contact person
Forum Schweizer Geschichte Schwyz, Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum
Hofmatt, Zeughausstrasse 5
6430 Schwyz
Nearby
