Are you a fan of football? Do you want to learn more about the history, culture, and impact of the beautiful game? If yes, then you should not miss the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. The FIFA Museum is a unique and interactive museum that showcases the world of football, from its origins to its present-day glory. Whether you are a casual fan or a die-hard supporter, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at the FIFA Museum.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the FIFA Museum, such as how to visit, what to see and do, and how to book a tour or experience. Read on and discover why the FIFA Museum is the ultimate destination for football fans.
What is the FIFA Museum?
The FIFA Museum is a museum dedicated to football, the most popular sport in the world. It was opened in 2016 by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body of football. The museum is located in the Enge district of Zurich, the city where FIFA is headquartered. The museum covers an area of 3,000 square meters and has three floors of exhibits, collections, and interactive features.
The museum aims to celebrate the rich and diverse history of football, the FIFA World Cup, the legends of the game, and the impact of football on society and culture. The museum also hosts various events, such as screenings, workshops, lectures, and concerts, that connect football with other aspects of life, such as art, music, and education. The museum welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year, from all over the world and from all walks of life.
How to Visit the FIFA Museum?
If you are planning to visit the FIFA Museum, here are some practical information and tips that you should know:
Opening hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. The last admission is at 5 p.m.
Admission fees: The regular ticket price is 24 CHF for adults, 18 CHF for students and seniors, and 14 CHF for children aged 7 to 15. Children under 7 can enter for free. There are also discounts for groups, families, and members of the FIFA Fan Club. You can buy your tickets online or at the museum entrance.
Facilities: The museum has a range of facilities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable, such as a cloakroom, a locker room, a café, a restaurant, a sports bar, a gift shop, and a library. The museum is also wheelchair accessible and has free Wi-Fi.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the museum depends on your preference and availability. However, some general tips are to avoid peak hours (such as weekends and holidays), to check the weather forecast (as Zurich can be cold and rainy), and to plan your visit according to the events calendar (as some events may require advance booking or extra fees).
What to See and Do at the FIFA Museum?
The FIFA Museum has a lot to offer to its visitors, from the permanent and temporary exhibits, to the cinema, to the library, to the sports bar, and to the gift shop. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can see and do at the museum:
Permanent exhibits:
The permanent exhibits are the core of the museum, and they are divided into three sections: The Foundations, The World Cup, and The Fields. The Foundations section explores the origins and evolution of football, from its ancient roots to its modern rules. The World Cup section showcases the history and highlights of the FIFA World Cup, from its inception in 1930 to its latest edition in 2018. The Fields section examines the impact and influence of football on society and culture, from its role in politics and economics to its expression in art and music. The permanent exhibits feature a variety of objects, such as trophies, jerseys, balls, posters, photos, videos, and memorabilia, that tell the stories and emotions of football.
Temporary exhibits:
The temporary exhibits are the changing and dynamic part of the museum, and they are located on the ground floor. The temporary exhibits focus on specific themes and topics that are related to football, such as women’s football, football and human rights, football and technology, and football and literature. The temporary exhibits also feature special guests and collaborations, such as famous players, coaches, artists, and writers, who share their insights and perspectives on football. The temporary exhibits are updated regularly, so make sure to check the website for the latest information.
Cinema:
The cinema is a cozy and comfortable space where you can watch and enjoy various films and documentaries that are related to football. The cinema has a capacity of 60 seats and a large screen that provides a high-quality viewing experience. The cinema shows a different film every day, from classics to new releases, from fiction to non-fiction, and from comedy to drama. The cinema also hosts special screenings and events, such as film festivals, premieres, and Q&A sessions, that feature guests and experts from the film and football industry. The cinema is included in the admission fee, and you can check the schedule and reserve your seat online or at the museum entrance.
Library:
The library is a quiet and relaxing space where you can read and learn more about football. The library has a collection of over 4,000 books and magazines that cover various aspects and dimensions of football, such as history, culture, biography, statistics, and analysis. The library also has a digital archive that contains over 500,000 documents and images that document the history and activities of FIFA and its member associations. The library is open to the public and free of charge, and you can browse, borrow, or request the materials online or at the library desk.
Sports bar:
The sports bar is a lively and social space where you can eat, drink, and watch live football matches. The sports bar has a menu of snacks, salads, burgers, pizzas, and desserts, as well as a selection of drinks, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The sports bar has a large screen and several TVs that broadcast live football matches from various leagues and competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, and the Swiss Super League. The sports bar also hosts quiz nights, karaoke nights, and themed parties, that add to the fun and festive atmosphere. The sports bar is open to the public and does not require a museum ticket, and you can make a reservation online or by phone.
Gift shop:
The gift shop is a place where you can buy souvenirs and gifts that are related to football and the museum. The gift shop has a range of products, such as t-shirts, caps, scarves, mugs, keychains, magnets, and stickers, that feature the FIFA logo, the FIFA World Cup trophy, or the FIFA Museum name. The gift shop also has some exclusive and limited edition items, such as books, posters, and artworks, that are signed by famous players, coaches, or artists. The gift shop is open during the museum hours, and you can pay by cash or card.
How to Book a Tour or Experience at the FIFA Museum?
If you want to make the most of your visit to the FIFA Museum, you can also book a tour or experience that includes the museum, as well as other attractions and activities in Zurich or Switzerland. Here are some of the tours and experiences that you can choose from:
Zurich City Tour:
This is a half-day tour that takes you to the main sights and landmarks of Zurich, such as the Old Town, the Bahnhofstrasse, the Lake Zurich, and the Grossmünster. The tour also includes a visit to the FIFA Museum, where you can explore the exhibits and collections at your own pace. The tour costs 59 CHF per person, and includes a guide, a bus, and a museum ticket. You can book the tour online or at the Zurich Tourism office.
FIFA Museum and Lake Zurich Cruise:
This is a full-day tour that combines the FIFA Museum with a scenic cruise on the Lake Zurich. The tour starts with a visit to the FIFA Museum, where you can enjoy the exhibits and collections for about two hours. Then, you will board a boat and sail along the Lake Zurich, admiring the views of the city, the mountains, and the villages. The tour costs 79 CHF per person, and includes a guide, a bus, a museum ticket, and a boat ticket. You can book the tour online or at the Zurich Tourism office.
FIFA Museum and Chocolate Workshop:
This is a unique and fun tour that combines the FIFA Museum with a chocolate workshop. The tour starts with a visit to the FIFA Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of football for about two hours. Then, you will head to a chocolate factory, where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate, and make your own chocolate bars and truffles. The tour costs 99 CHF per person, and includes a guide, a bus, a museum ticket, and a chocolate workshop. You can book the tour online or at the Zurich Tourism office.
The FIFA Museum is a must-visit for football lovers, as it offers a comprehensive and interactive overview of the world of football, from its origins to its present-day glory. The museum has something for everyone, from exhibits and collections, to cinema and library, to sports bar and gift shop. The museum also hosts various events and offers various tours and experiences that enhance your visit and make it more memorable. If you are in Zurich or Switzerland, do not miss the opportunity to visit the FIFA Museum and immerse yourself in the world of football. You will not regret it!
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