On Sunday, we spent some time at the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (the Swiss National Museum) in Zurich. Located right across from the main railway station, it looks very much like a large castle. It opened in 1889 and houses a very diverse collection of objects dating from the Stone age to the present; and covering all aspects of Swiss history and culture.
There were stone-age tools and other artifacts, including several of the earliest wheels ever found, unearthed right in Zurich. Also featured were a large collection of Roman artifacts, including jewelry, clothing, coins, statues, weapons, and human remains. I especially enjoyed the medieval and Renaissance paintings and tapestries, and the religious, cultural, and historical objects from the Medieval period. This is a very large museum, so we did not get to see everything that was there. I'd definately like to go back and see the rest on another day.
The main entrance to the museum. The tower is quite tall, and very visible as part of the city skyline.
Part of the museum courtyard. Unfortunately, there was major construction and renovation going on, so we couldn't walk out there. Usually, they have an ice-skating rink set up in the winter.
A mid-19th century horse-drawn postal coach. Looks fit for a prince.
At first, Ian wasn't too sure what to make of the woolly mammoth. You were allowed to go right up to it and touch it, which he did. I expect if we had more time, he would have wanted to climb right up and get hitch a ride.
This little number just proves that women throughout time have suffered all sorts of indignities in order to attract the opposite sex. I mean, the Prehistoric Swiss woman certainly didn't wear this for comfort or warmth. And we modern women complain about our underwires!
A Roman-era skeleton was completely intact, with jewelry left in place. There was even a ring on a finger and ankle bracelets.
Ok, I admit it. This is an illegal photo. I didn't realize that I wasn't supposed to take photos in this area of the museum. My bad. Anyway, this was probably my favorite area. They had about 12 complete, furnished rooms from different chateaus and castles, dating from about 1200 thru the 1700's. They had been moved from their original locations, set up, and completely restored to their original state. The detail of the rooms was magnificent, including intricately carved woodwork, beautiful tiled stoves, and even a crystal chandelier. I guess the upper classes of the time lived quite well.
We saw many more fascinating things after this, but I didn't want to get thrown out, so sorry no more museum photos.
On our way to lunch at the Zeughous Keller. This is a wonderful, atmospheric restaurant that used to be an ancient armory. In fact, there are artifacts from its former life still decorating the place. It is quite interesting eating a meal in the shadow of a loaded WWI machine gun, lol! I had liver-dumpling soup (yum!), but it is also a great place to get a plate of the Zurich staple, veal and roschti.
I have to leave you with this picture.... When Good Kitchens Go Bad....
I don't know how Ian managed to get himself in this position, but he needed Grandma's help to get out. The kitchen received a scolding for it's bad behavior.
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