Museum of Cultures, Ethnographic museum in Altstadt Grossbasel, Switzerland.
The Museum of Cultures displays objects and artifacts from Europe, the South Pacific, Mesoamerica, Tibet, and Bali, bringing together over 340,000 pieces plus an equal quantity of historical photographs. The collections allow visitors to explore material culture and historical records from these diverse regions side by side.
The institution was founded in the 1840s as part of the Museum of Natural History and Ethnography, established to house collections assembled by merchants and travelers. These origins reflect how European trade and curiosity led to the formation of ethnographic archives.
The exhibitions explore everyday themes such as sleep, memory, and rituals, showing how people across different societies interpret their daily experiences. This approach helps visitors find connections between their own lives and diverse cultural practices around the world.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended evening hours on the first Wednesday of each month. Given the large scale of the collection, visitors should plan adequate time or focus on specific exhibition areas of interest.
The museum actively conducts research expeditions and partners with source communities to document the history and context surrounding each object. This ongoing work means the collection continues to grow richer through connections with the people whose heritage is represented.
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