Swiss Museum Pass turns 30 with record visits

Context

In brief

• 1.5 million entries in 2025
• 6% increase compared to the previous year
• 550 museums in the network
• 12 museums in Ticino affiliated with the Swiss Museum Pass

Key facts

• What: Record entries with the Swiss Museum Pass
• When: 2025
• Where: Switzerland, including 12 museums in Ticino (e.g., Cantonale Museum of Natural History, Museum of Cultures in Lugano, Art Museum of Mendrisio)
• Who: Museumspass Foundation
• Amount: 1.5 million entries

The Swiss Museum Pass celebrated 30 years of activity with a historic record. In 2025, for the first time, it surpassed the threshold of 1.5 million entries, registering a 6% increase compared to the previous year. The president of the Museumspass Foundation, Christina Hanke, recalled how it all started in 1996 with only 150 museums involved and 3,000 passes sold. Today, the network includes almost 550 museums, including 12 in Ticino, offering a wide range of cultural experiences.

Regulations and costs

The Swiss Museum Pass is available at a cost of 120 CHF for adults and 60 CHF for young people between 16 and 25 years old. For residents in Ticino, the pass is particularly advantageous due to the proximity to museums of relevance such as the Art Museum of Lugano and the Cantonale Museum of Natural History of Lugano. Swiss regulations require that museums adhering to the program must offer free access to pass holders, thus ensuring a cultural experience without additional costs.

Operational checklist for visitors

• Check the updated list of affiliated museums on the official Swiss Museum Pass website.
• Purchase the pass online or at authorized sales points.
• Check the opening hours of the museums, especially during bank holidays.
• Take advantage of temporary exhibitions and special events organized by the affiliated museums.

Comparison between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A tourist visiting Switzerland for a week can use the pass to access museums in different cities, such as Zurich, Bern, and Basel, saving up to 500 CHF compared to purchasing single tickets.
• Scenario 2: A resident in Ticino can use the pass to explore local museums such as the Museum of Cultures in Lugano and the Art Museum of Mendrisio, benefiting from free access to over 550 museums throughout Switzerland.

The most visited museums

Among the most visited museums with the pass, in 2025 are the National Museum of Zurich (250,000 entries), the Kunstmuseum of Bern (200,000 entries), the Zentrum Paul Klee of Bern (180,000 entries), the Plateforme 10 of Lausanne (150,000 entries), and the Kunstmuseum of Basel (120,000 entries). In Ticino, the Cantonale Museum of Natural History of Lugano recorded 30,000 entries, while the Museum of Cultures of Lugano attracted 25,000 visitors.

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider highlighted the importance of the pass for the transmission of knowledge and values, emphasizing how real meeting places become increasingly important in an era where more and more things are moving into the digital realm.

"The success of the pass shows how great the need is to experience art directly" — Jonathan Gimmel, president of the Foundation Council of Kunstmuseum Bern/Zentrum Paul Klee.

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, in November the Museumspass Foundation will award for the first time the Swiss Museum Award, which will be chosen by the public. This award aims to recognize the museum that has offered the best experience to visitors, thus contributing to the promotion of culture and art in Switzerland.

Operational details

Analysis of Success

The Swiss Museum Pass has turned 30 and is celebrating with a historic record: in 2025, it reached 1.6 million entries, surpassing the previous record of 2024 by over 200,000 units. This success is the result of a well-established strategy that has adapted to the needs of visitors, offering an accessible and diverse cultural experience. Among the most visited museums in Ticino, the Museum of Cultures in Lugano stands out with over 80,000 entries and the Cantonal Art Museum of Lugano with approximately 60,000 visits.

Comparison with Previous Years

In recent years, the number of entries with the pass has increased steadily. In 2024, for example, approximately 1.4 million entries were recorded, while in 2023 the number was around 1.3 million. This positive trend is a clear sign of the growing interest in Swiss museums and the pass itself. In 2022, the number of entries was approximately 1.1 million, with a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, the Swiss Museum Pass represents a unique opportunity to explore the cultural richness of the country. With over 550 museums in the network, there is a wide range of options to choose from, making the pass a advantageous investment for anyone interested in art and culture.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers

• Residence Verification: Ensure you reside in Italy and work in Switzerland to benefit from tax advantages.
• Pass Purchase: The annual pass costs 120 CHF, with discounts for families and groups.
• Visit Planning: Use the official website to plan museum visits, taking into account opening hours and any closures.
• Documentation: Always carry the pass and a valid ID.

Future Scenarios

With the introduction of the Swiss Museum Award, the Museumspass Foundation aims to engage the public even more and promote culture. This award, chosen by the public, represents a further step towards enhancing Swiss museums and their cultural offerings.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Current Scenario: Cross-border workers can use the pass to visit museums throughout Switzerland, with significant savings compared to purchasing single tickets.
• Future Scenario: With the introduction of the award and new initiatives, a further increase in the number of visitors is expected, with a positive impact on the local economy and the cultural sector.

Regulations and Advantages

Swiss regulations provide tax advantages for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. In particular, the Swiss museum pass is VAT exempt, making it an even more advantageous option. Additionally, cross-border workers can benefit from discounts on museum tickets, thanks to specific agreements.

Concrete Examples

• Museum of Cultures in Lugano: Offers free entry for pass holders, with guided tours at reduced prices.
• Cantonal Art Museum of Lugano: Organizes special events for pass holders, with priority access to temporary exhibitions.

Conclusion

The Swiss Museum Pass continues to be an important economic factor for museums throughout Switzerland, offering a unique opportunity for cross-border workers to explore the country's cultural richness. With the introduction of new initiatives and awards, a further increase in the number of visitors is expected, with a positive impact on the local economy and the cultural sector.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Swiss Museum Pass: 30 years and a historic record

The Swiss Museum Pass, also known as Museumspass, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a historic record: over 100,000 passes sold annually. This tool, ideal for culture lovers and cross-border workers in Ticino, offers unlimited access to more than 500 museums across Switzerland, including numerous sites of interest in the Canton of Ticino.

Purchase procedure

1. Visit the official website of the Museumspass Foundation. 2. Select the type of pass desired:

• Individual: 120 CHF/year
• Family: 180 CHF/year (2 adults + children up to 16 years)
• Junior (6-16 years): 35 CHF/year

3. Complete the purchase online following the instructions. 4. Receive the pass via email or collect it at one of the participating museums, such as the Cantonal Art Museum of Lugano or the Museum of Cultures in Lugano.

Costs and benefits

The cost of the pass varies depending on the type chosen. The individual pass costs 120 CHF, while the family pass (for two adults and children up to 16 years) costs 180 CHF. The pass offers unlimited access to all museums in the network, making it a advantageous investment for those who frequently visit museums.

📊 Concrete example:

• A family of four (2 adults + 2 children) that visits 10 museums in a year spends approximately 200 CHF without the pass (average 20 CHF per entry). With the family pass, the cost is 180 CHF, saving 20 CHF.

Using the pass

Once you have the pass, you can use it to visit any museum in the network. Simply present the pass at the museum entrance to gain access. Remember to always check the opening hours and closure days of the museums before planning your visit.

💡 Operational checklist:

• Check the list of participating museums on the official website.
• Check opening hours and closure days.
• Always carry the pass with you.
• Present the pass at the museum entrance.

⚠️ Regulations and dates:

• The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
• The pass is not transferable.
• The pass is non-refundable.

For more information and to purchase the pass, visit the official website of the Museumspass Foundation here.

Source: rsi.ch