Federal Charter Museum

The exhibition at the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation explains the history of the Old Swiss Confederacy: the alliance policy of the Old Swiss Confederates, their numerous conflicts and compromises, life in the Middle Ages and, of course, the famous battles of Morgarten and Marignano. All these stages of our history are shown using original documents and an impressive collection of flags.

Facts and myths

The exhibition centres on the Federal Charter of 1291, however, telling the story of this extraordinary document and explaining what the Federal Charter has in common with William Tell and how it relates to the Rütli Oath. To this day, not all questions surrounding this document have been answered. It turns out that the Federal Charter is a bit of both: myth and history.

Myths as part of our culture

In general, myths are an important topic at the Museum of the Federal Charter: Where does the story of William Tell or the Rütli Oath come from? What can be proven historically? The importance of national myths for Switzerland and the self-image of its inhabitants is explained in an easily understandable way and with plenty of images and film material.