hǒus, tǒun, fẹ̄ld – the Middle Ages in central Switzerland

November 12, 2025  to October 4, 2026 

What was life like in the Middle Ages? How did people live, what did they eat? Did they enjoy celebrating as much as we do today? And were there really as many tough guys and fair maidens?

Between 1200 and 1550, central Switzerland went through a series of fundamental changes; towns and cities were established and long-distance trade flourished thanks to the opening up of the Gotthard Pass route. People living in mountainous areas reared more and more livestock to export over the Alpine passes. People’s lives were shaped by their faith, by village life and by their everyday struggles and joys.

With more than 300 objects from all over central Switzerland, the exhibition has been put together in collaboration with Canton Zug’s Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology. It will show one thing: the Middle Ages were nowhere near as dark as the cliché would have us believe. Travel through time and step into a medieval parlour, explore the town’s crafts, follow people from their gardens to their fields and on to the highest Alpine pastures, and catch a glimpse of the period’s spiritual world.

A particular highlight is an interactive landscape model of central Switzerland, which has been specially created for the exhibition. Take a bird’s eye view of the social changes that have occurred over the centuries.

Exhibition Flyer

Events

A wide range of events accompany the special exhibition. Guided tours, some with the exhibition curator or others in dialogue with experts from the Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology Zug, provide an in-depth insight into the exhibition. Thematic presentations expand this knowledge beyond the objects on display. Scenic readings and hands-on activities for adults complete the schedule of events.

For families and children, the museum is organising an open medieval workshop on selected Wednesday afternoons from February 2026. Here, you can experiment with medieval craft techniques and materials. The guided family tour with the maid Ita ensures an eventful journey through time, while the medieval cooking workshop allows visitors to discover the flavours of the Middle Ages. 

All events and detailed information, as well as tickets, can be found in the calendar.

The exhibition is supported by:

The exhibition is supported by: