Illuminarium at the Swiss National Museum
Visitors step into an illuminated winter wonderland in the historic museum courtyard featuring multiple immersive light projection shows mapped onto the architecture. The open courtyard hosts food stalls serving savory dishes and sweet treats around cozy fire bowls, alongside illuminated indoor and outdoor bars with DJ beats. Guests can also warm up with fondue in a dedicated two-story chalet or enjoy family-friendly daytime activities.
What to Expect
Immersive light shows, music, and food stands in the museum courtyard.
Event Details
Duration
Show duration is 25 minutes.
Ages
All ages for most areas; 21+ after 8:00 PM on Thursdays-Saturdays in the ILLU.DANCE area.
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Illuminarium AG
Food & Drink
Food stalls serve treats and dishes including cotton candy, waffles, tacos, pizza, Älplermakkaroni, chestnuts and curries; visitors can also find hot drinks, winter cocktails and fondue in the chalet.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of immersive light shows
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Festival courtyard access: free. Early-bird prices: evening ticket—adults CHF 15.90, teenagers CHF 10.90, children CHF 6.90; single show—adults CHF 9.90, teenagers CHF 7.90, children CHF 5.90. Illuminarium evening ticket: adults CHF 23.90; teenagers aged 10–16 CHF 14.90; children aged 6–9 CHF 10.90; children up to age 5 free. Children and teenagers may enter only with adults. The page also lists an adult/teen/child set of CHF 14.90/9.90/6.90, a YUKIS PIXEL ZOO JUNGLE set of CHF 14.90 for adults and CHF 6.90 for children aged 6–9, and another adult/child set of CHF 14.90/5.90; the page does not identify the ticket types for the latter price sets. ILLU.KIDS is free.
- Hours: Courtyard: November Monday–Saturday from 17:00; December Monday–Saturday from 16:45; Sundays from 15:00. Program also says 17:00–20:00, with YUKIS ARKTISCHE WEIHNACHTEN daily 17:00–17:45 and 18:30–19:15, and YUKIS PIXEL ZOO JUNGLE daily 17:45–18:30 and 19:15–20:00. Later show schedule: 17:15–17:45 and 18:45–19:15; Pixel Zoo Jungle 18:00–18:30 and 19:30–20:00; Art x Electronica 20:00–22:00. Show duration: 25 minutes. Bars are open until 23:00; indoor club and restaurant until 24:00.
- Parking: Nearby garages are Hauptbahnhof (Sihlquai 41), Central (Seilergraben) and Urania (Uraniastrasse 3).
- Accessibility: The event is barrier-free (barrierefrei), though it is not suitable for people with photophobia.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed until 20:00. The page warns that it is usually crowded and loud for an animal; visitors are advised to come at 17:00, and dogs may not be admitted after 20:00 depending on crowd conditions.
Tips & Advice
- Book your show tickets online in advance, because seats for the light shows are limited and the on-site box office can't guarantee you a place.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your show starts, and check your ticket for the exact start time.
- Wear warm, weatherproof clothing, because everything takes place outdoors in the courtyard whatever the weather.
- Bring a card or phone payment, because the whole festival is cashless and none of the stands take cash.
- Reserve the Fondue Chalet ahead of time if you want a guaranteed table, because the outdoor area doesn't take reservations.
Special Events & Promotions
- ILLU.KIDS: a free kids' disco every Sunday afternoon with family-friendly DJs, popcorn, cotton candy, colorful syrups and Yuki joining the party
- New this year: Yuki's Pixel Zoo Jungle as a full Christmas experience, created with Zoo Zürich
- New this year: Art x Electronica, a digital art show by PROJEKTIL built around the work of Paul Klee
- New this year: a two-storey Fondue Chalet
- Early-bird pricing on evening tickets and single-show tickets
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What light shows are there?
There are three shows projected onto the courtyard's historic facades, each lasting 25 minutes. Yuki's Arctic Christmas follows conductor Yuki and her friends on a winter adventure in the far north. Yuki's Pixel Zoo Jungle was made with Zoo Zürich and travels through jungles from the Congo to the Amazon to Indonesia. Art x Electronica, by the PROJEKTIL collective, brings Paul Klee's artwork to life with electronic beats, lasers and disco balls.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The Yuki shows are made for young and old, and children up to age 5 get in free. Children and teens can only come with an adult. Art x Electronica is recommended for ages 10 and up. From Thursday to Saturday, only guests 21 and over are admitted later in the evening.
What is there to eat and drink?
Food stands are set around cozy fire bowls. They serve cotton candy, waffles, tacos, pizza, Älplermagronen, roasted chestnuts, curries and more. There are also hot drinks, winter cocktails, indoor and outdoor bars, a club and a Fondue Chalet. Every stand is cashless.
Can I reserve a table?
You can reserve only in the Fondue Chalet, and reservations there are recommended. The outdoor area takes no reservations. Chalet bookings for 6 or more need a credit card or Twint, and there's a per-person charge for no-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours ahead. Groups of 21 to 220 can book through the group reservation option.
What's the easiest way to get there by public transport?
Take the train to Zürich HB, since the Landesmuseum is right next door. By tram or bus, use the Bahnhofquai/HB stop (lines 4, 11, 13, 14, 17, 46) or Bahnhofplatz (lines 3, 6, 10, 31).
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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