Top 12 Reasons to Visit the FIFA World Football Museum Zurich
Photo © FIFA
Since opening in February 2016, the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, located directly across from the Enge Bahnhof is proving to be one of the most popular museums in Zurich. The glitzy tech-laden museum steers clear of politics, housing artifacts and exhibits that appeal to stat-quoting aficionados, Messe- or Rooney worshippers as well as families looking for a rainy-day outing. Spread over three floors, the museum showcases the rich history of football, the world’s most popular sport, through interactive exhibits and displays.
Photo © FIFA
The museum celebrates the grassroots and “kumbaya” elements of the beautiful game and is super modern and fun. Artifacts include balls and boots from every World Cup ever played as well as the original men’s and women’s World Cup trophies, installed by former players Cafu and Renate Lingor respectively at the press opening. Parts of the original rules of football are on display as are tributes to the game’s founders.
Photo © FIFA
Technology features flashily and prominently throughout. On the ground floor, multi-story video screens show towering images of football playing at every level, from World Cup finals to children scrimmaging in the streets and lots of South America and Africa. Interactive features include a booth where visitors can practice being a game commentator and another where they can test their refereeing abilities. Kids can especially enjoy the second floor gaming zone. They get a bracelet that tracks their scores through an oversized pin-ball machine, a shooting gallery and corner kick calculator, among others.
Photo © FIFA
The History of the FIFA Museum Building
Some may recognize the building as the old Citibank building, and celebrated local architects, SAM Architekten und Partner AG have done much to capitalize on the structure’s quirky and distinctive 1970s-era features. In addition to the museum, there is a swanky non-Hooters-like sports bar on the street level as well as a bistro, café-bar, museum shop and conference areas on the upper floors.
12 Reasons To Visit the FIFA Museum
The 12 main things to watch out for when you visit the museum:
- The Trophy Room: The museum’s Trophy Room is definitely worth a look. It houses replicas of all FIFA World Cup trophies, as well as other important football trophies, such as the UEFA Champions League trophy and the Ballon d’Or.
- The Interactive Games: The museum has a range of interactive games so you can experience football in a whole new way. From penalty shootouts to reaction tests, there’s something for everyone. You can event step into the shoes of your favorite footballer and experience what it’s like to play on the world’s biggest stages.
- The World Cup Wall: The World Cup Wall is a unique exhibit that showcases the history of the FIFA World Cup. It features every official poster of the tournament, as well as other memorabilia from past editions of the competition.
- The Ball Wall: The Ball Wall is another fascinating exhibit that displays every official ball used in the FIFA World Cup since the tournament began in 1930. Visitors can see how the design and technology of footballs have evolved over the years.
- The Hall of Fame: The museum’s Hall of Fame honours the greatest footballers of all time. From Pelé to Maradona, you can learn all about the careers of some of the sport’s biggest legends.
- The World of Women’s Football: The museum pays tribute to women’s football with its World of Women’s Football exhibit. Visitors can learn about the history of women’s football, as well as the pioneers who helped grow the game.
- The Digital Stadium: The museum’s Digital Stadium is a cutting-edge exhibit that simulates the experience of playing in a real football stadium. Visitors can hear the roar of the crowd and feel the excitement of scoring a goal.
- The Penalty Shootout: The Penalty Shootout exhibit allows you to experience the pressure of taking a penalty kick in front of a crowd. It’s a fun way to test your nerves and see if you have what it takes to score from the spot.
- The Fan Zone: The museum’s Fan Zone is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. It features giant screens showing classic football matches, as well as a range of interactive games and exhibits.
- The FIFA World Cup Gallery: The FIFA World Cup Gallery showcases the history of the FIFA World Cup. From the first tournament in 1930 to the present day, you can learn about the key moments and players that have defined the competition.
- The Hands-On Zone: The Hands-On Zone is a fun-filled exhibit that allows you to play with footballs, test your skill, and even learn about the science behind the game. It’s a great place for kids, as they get to learn a lot about the sport whilst having fun.
- The Museum Shop: Don’t forget to visit the museum shop before you leave. It features a wide range of football-related merchandise, including jerseys, scarves, mugs and all types of memorabilia.
The FIFA Football Museum in Zurich is a must-visit destination for any football fan. With its range of interactive exhibits and displays, it offers a unique and immersive experience that celebrates the rich history of the world’s most popular sport. All exhibits and features are available in English.
Photo © FIFA
FIFA World Football Museum
Address: Haus Zur Enge on Tessinerplatz, Seefeldstrasse 27, 8002 Zurich
Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 9:00-18:00
Prices: Adults: CHF 24, Children 0-6 free, Children 7-15 CHF 14
Discounts available to students, seniors and the disabled.
You can see the ticket prices here
Tickets can be bought online and more information available here: www.fifamuseum.com
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With thanks to Jennifer Lisle for the article. The article was originally written in 2026 band updated in 2023.
Jennifer is a freelance writer and her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal and Elle magazine, among many others.
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