Swiss Rifle Museum


Bern is not accidentally called the museum capital of Switzerland , there are so many museums, galleries, exhibitions not to be found in any other European capital. And among all cultural objects can not be distinguished Swiss Museum of Rifles. It collected a stunning in scale and beauty collection of weapons, since the XIX century, rare models, historical artifacts and much more. Everything that worries the minds of young boys, fascinates and enthralls us, adults, can be seen, touched and even shoot at the museum's shooting gallery.

History of the Museum

The Rifle Museum in Berne dates back to 1885. It was in that year at the next Federal shooting championship, which was held then in Bern, it was decided to create a special Rifle Chamber. The purpose of creating this chamber is to assemble a collection of various weapons, trophies, commemorative coins from firing competitions, historical shooter documentation.

Over the years of its existence, the Shooting Chamber has repeatedly moved from place to place and found its permanent residence only in 1959, this building is located today. In 1914 the Rifle Chamber began to bear the proud name of the Swiss Rifle Museum. In the late XIX - early XX century, the museum was restored inside and out.

What's interesting in the museum?

Once inside, you discover the world of charming and enticing secrets of the history of the development of weapons art. The exterior design of the museum and the frescoes in the hall at the entrance to the museum belong to the brush of Friedrich Traffelet. Climbing the main staircase, pay attention to the exhibits telling about the history of the development of weapons, from the simplest bow models to the modern crossbow, from the first pistols to the current light and heaped assault rifle. Some of their exhibits took part in competitions and even at the Olympic Games.

A few words about one of the most important parts of the museum's exposition - the Hall of Fame, located on the first floor of the building. It is in it guests of the museum can admire the awards of the famous Olympic champion Konrad Shtekeli. Here is his sculpture and sculpture of the no less famous champion Marcel Buergue.

Also attracted attention are very interesting and unusual exhibits, located in glass boxes and representing a huge value. These are muskets of the XVI century with inlaying with bones and horns of deer, as well as products of local arms masters of the 18th century. It is impossible not to mention another valuable item - a huge silver trophy, donated in 1876 by the King of the Netherlands, William III. And the last thing that will undoubtedly attract the attention of tourists is the collection of watch-worn masters of firing. For example, an exhibit in 1836, a gold watch with the engraving of the coat of arms of Switzerland and an illustration of William Tell's shooting theme on an apple.

As soon as the examination of the exposition is completed, tourists are invited to try their hand at shooting from some types of weapons. Do not miss the opportunity to touch the history of weapons production and feel yourself a participant in rifle battles.

How to visit?

Getting to the shooting museum is very simple, there are several options. First, after leaving the railway station, take the tram lines No. 6, 7 or 8 and get off at the Helvetiaplatz stop. Secondly, you can walk on foot through Marktgasse and the Kirchenfeld bridge, heading towards Helvetiaplatz. And finally, motorists need to drive along the A1 or A6 motorways, navigate to the Thunplatz exit, then turn right to Aegertenstrasse and to the Monbijou bridge. You can park the car near the museum in a parking lot for motorists.

The museum waits for visitors all week, except Monday. Its doors are open at the following times: Tuesday-Saturday at 14: 00-17: 00, Sunday at 10: 00-12: 00 and 14: 00-17: 00. In addition to Mondays, the museum is closed on the days of the main Swiss holidays . The entrance ticket is not required to buy, since the entrance to the museum is completely free for all citizens.