Behind the sober facade of an old bank in the center of Zurich, the world of football reveals all its secrets within this three-story building.
This is the FIFA Museum in Zurich, a place that transports you through football’s history and captures the true spirit of the sport. This architectural marvel is designed to showcase unique events in international football history in open spaces.
A unique perspective that highlights the process through which this sport has evolved over the years.
What is the FIFA Museum in Zurich?
The FIFA Museum is an impressive football exhibition located in the heart of Zurich. It opened in 2016 and has since become a major attraction for fans of the sport.
The purpose of this exhibition is to explore how football has evolved throughout its history, from the first international matches played in the 19th century to today.
This project is led by FIFA, the organization responsible for setting the rules for football federations worldwide and organizing the sport’s most important events, like the World Cup.
The museum spans three floors, exhibiting an array of memorabilia from football’s long history.
Visiting the FIFA Museum
Without a doubt, a visit to the FIFA Museum in Zurich is highly recommended. It’s a must-see if you’re in the city. This cultural center, dedicated to the world’s most popular sport, is full of history as it commemorates football’s most memorable moments.
Every part of the museum is designed to provide you with a unique experience. From the very moment you step inside, you can feel the excitement of football. The use of images, videos, and sound captures your attention, while the colors and lights create a unique and spectacular atmosphere.
The museum features over a thousand exhibits with multimedia resources, eight-meter LED screens, and the world’s largest pinball machine. Yet one of the main attractions is the display of the original World Cup trophies, including the very cup held every four years by the winning team.
Visiting the FIFA Museum in Zurich is an unparalleled experience. It’s truly fascinating to learn the history and feel like a part of the beautiful game. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to purchase your entry ticket through this link to enjoy a small discount and skip the line.
The facilities and building
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88_KV77pBvE
This building, previously an office center with more than 3,000 square meters, was transformed into the museum. In 2013, plans began to create this museum, and after extensive renovations and adaptations, it opened its doors in 2016.
The building includes ten floors of offices, luxury rooms, and the museum itself, which spans three floors.
It houses a restaurant, a sports bar, and a library. You’ll also find a café, the museum’s shop, and a conference room.
Ground floor
The museum entrance immediately introduces you to the Football Planet area.
In addition to the exhibits, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the context of each display and the museum’s design choices, all crafted to bring the world of football to life through innovative storytelling.
Here, you’ll find the two hundred and eleven national associations that make up FIFA, showcased in a rainbow of national team jerseys.
Additionally, on this floor, you’ll find the sports bar—a perfect spot to take a break and grab a drink before continuing your visit.
First Floor
This floor is accessible by elevators that take you to the Fields of Play.
This area highlights football’s influence worldwide, demonstrating how the sport transcends barriers, uniting people and cultures.
In this zone, there are over a thousand objects, interactive tablets, and games. You’ll also find fifteen hundred photographs and sixty large screens displaying five hundred videos.
This floor also houses the restaurant, a café, and the museum shop.
Second Floor
On this floor, you’ll discover the Origins of the World Cup.
This is the hall where the grand FIFA World Cup trophy takes center stage, drawing admiration from visitors.
Around it, the exhibition explains the history of World Cup tournaments from their beginnings.
Museum Collection
The FIFA Museum in Zurich offers a highly engaging experience, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Currently, it includes numerous interactive exhibits that explain football’s progression over time.
A stunning display demonstrates how the sport has evolved and how it’s perceived by the associations that form FIFA.
Another notable exhibit highlights the rise of women’s football. Though it may not yet have the same global prominence as men’s football, here it is given the recognition it deserves.
Activities and Games
The museum offers a cultural agenda with diverse programs, including reading sessions, temporary exhibitions, debates, film evenings, and guided tours.
You can participate in various activities, from playing table football to gaming on a PlayStation with the FIFA video game.
You can also take photos in replicas of some of the world’s greatest stadiums, watch highlights of historic matches, or even try your hand at being a referee.
For younger visitors, there are areas designed just for them.
One such space, known as “The Lab,” is an area for family enjoyment, suited for all ages.
In the lab, you can leave your own wish for football on a large wall.
There, you can also color comic strips available for visitors, read fiction or informational books, and even watch animated videos.
At the end of your visit, if you think you’ve absorbed enough, test your knowledge with the trivia game based on what you’ve learned throughout the tour.
With so much to do, you’re sure to stay entertained.
Mobile App
The museum also has a mobile app that you can download for free to enhance your visit with even more content and activities.
The FIFA World Football Museum app provides an audio guide and augmented reality features.
In fact, you can unlock audiovisual content as you progress through the museum. The app also includes maps and information to make your visit even more comprehensive and enjoyable.
To make the most of your experience, consider using the app as a guide to explore additional layers of history and insights available within the museum’s exhibits.
To enhance the visitor experience, the app offers a choice of four languages: German, Spanish, English, and French.
It also includes a game designed for younger visitors called Treasure Hunt, an interactive activity that helps kids learn more about football in a fun way.
The app can be enjoyed not only at the FIFA Museum in Zurich but also from anywhere in the world. It’s available for download on Google Play and App Store.
Visiting with Children
Visiting the FIFA Museum in Zurich with children is a fantastic idea, as there are plenty of activities designed especially for young visitors, as mentioned earlier.
Kids can color, create their own national team jerseys, play table football, or enjoy the FIFA video game on PlayStation.
Additionally, all the activities in “The Lab” are accessible to children, providing a fun, hands-on way to engage with the world of football.
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has everything you need to enjoy a great time, whether with family or friends.
Useful Information
The museum has an official website where you can find more information and check upcoming events.
You can also purchase tickets online with a single click.
Each year, the FIFA Museum in Zurich participates in the Night of the Museums event, along with other renowned museums like the National Museum.
This cultural event brings together multiple museums for a special celebration. During this night, the museum extends its hours and offers activities in the evening.
FIFA Museum Ticket Prices
The entry fees to the FIFA Museum in Zurich are affordable and vary depending on the type of ticket selected.
Ticket prices:
- 24 CHF for adults.
- Free for children aged 0-6.
- 14 CHF for children aged 7-15.
- 14 CHF with a disability accreditation.
- 19 CHF for seniors.
- 64 CHF for families (two adults and two children aged 7-15).
- 18 CHF for students.
- 12 CHF for groups of children (10 people).
- 22 CHF for groups of adults (10 people).
Additionally, museum visitors can enjoy discounts on entry fees and receive offers for travel within the city and surrounding areas, available through the official FIFA Museum Zurich website.
Museum Opening Hours
The FIFA Museum in Zurich is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday:
- Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The 1904 Sportsbar is open from Tuesday to Sunday. On Tuesday through Saturday, it operates from 11:00 AM to midnight, and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The restaurant and café are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How to Get There
To reach the FIFA Museum, keep in mind it’s centrally located in Zurich.
Situated directly across from Enge train station, it’s accessible by various forms of transport:
- By train (S-Bahn): Lines 2, 8, 21, and 24 to Bahnhof Enge.
- By tram: Lines 5, 6, and 7 to Bahnhof Enge, and lines 13 and 17 to Bahnhof Enge/Bederstrasse.
- By coach: Stop at Alfred-Escher-Strasse. From there, it’s a 400-meter walk to the museum.
If I Don’t Like Football, Can I Still Enjoy the Museum?
Absolutely! You can enjoy the museum even if you’re not a football fan.
With its recreational activities, detailed history, surroundings, and magnificent exhibitions, the museum has something for everyone.
You’ll find yourself smiling and caught up in the thrill of discovering more about this globally celebrated sport, perhaps even thinking about your country’s team and its achievements.
It’s truly an unforgettable experience, one where every moment is worthwhile. Whether for sports enthusiasts or casual visitors, the museum offers a rich, engaging atmosphere that appeals to all.