Learn about Jewish history in Switzerland

The Jewish Museum of Switzerland which was opened in Basel in 1966 is a specialist institution concentrating on the history, art and religion of the Jewish community in the country.

Items focus on both the religious and the everyday aspects of Jewish life in Switzerland.

A number of exhibits are on display, including artefacts made out of silver from renowned goldsmith centres and other items made out of tin, wood, brass and pewter. Other items include rich textiles and Hebrew prints from the 16th century onwards.

In the courtyard of the museum there are a number of medieval tombstones and much of the museum's history focuses on the so-called Jewish villages of Endingen and Lengnau.

The centre has recently opened an exhibition based on Jewish weddings with exhibits including a traditional Jewish wedding dress, customary presents for both the bride and her groom and objects relating to divorce.

According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the first mention of Jews in Switzerland was in Basel in 1213.