Schweizerisches Landesmuseum

Possibly one of the nicest museums I’ve been to so far, the Landesmuseum has exhibits that span from prehistory, through Roman occupation (Helvetia), the middle ages, right up to the modern era. Unfortunately I was unable to take any pictures once inside the museum; there were many, many Medieval artefacts that I would’ve loved to have photos of, including some extant heraldic banners from the mid-15th through early 16th centuries made of painted canvas, silk, and silk damask (aquisition no.s KZ 5738, KZ 5732, ZB Zürich 850, and KZ 5636). There was also a complete set of clothing from around the same time period, including pourpoint (Wams, in German), trousers, woolen stockings, and a satin cap (acquisition no. LM 2396). Also, a doublet from the first half of the 17th century made of satin (aquisition no. LM 14005.2).

One of the best things at the museum, however, was the special exhibit “Medieval Book of Hours: From private devotion to luxury manuscripts”. There, I got to thumb through facsimile copies of both the Belles Heures.. and the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry! The most impressive book on display was actually also a facsimile: the so-called Livre d’Heures Noir, ca. 1475. This book has black pages – begotten by soaking the parchment in a ferrous-copper emulsion – and painted over in blue and gold. The original is held by the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York, NY. I must visit it.

I also learned a new term: das Besteck. Meaning “tucked away”, it refers to cutlery sets that no gentleman in the middle ages would be without.

One thing about the museum that disappointed me was the shop, or virtual lack thereof. It was about the size of a broom closet, and had only touristy things to buy. I had been hoping, due to my inability to take photographs, that I could at least purchase some postcards with some of the aformentioned pieces displayed, or perhaps some books on the collection. Perhaps it was due to the construction (the museum is currently being expanded), but perhaps not. O well, I suppose I’ll just have to go back another time.