Designed by André Lambert and deemed the second largest historical museum in Switzerland, the Bern Historical Museum is an important sight in the capital. As evident from its name, this museum documents the history of Bern, right from what it was during the prehistoric period to the urban giant that it is today. Displays from Asian, American and Egyptian countries are also noteworthy. You can study objects that date back to the stone age along with a range of ethnographic exhibits. The most important names in the premises, however, are the Königsfelder Diptych, the Burgundy Tapestries and the Graechwil Hydria.

Apart from the regular displays, there are enlightening temporary exhibitions inside the Bernisches Historisches Museum’s 1200 sq m hall and these usually focus on cultural innovation. Constructed in 1894, it was supposed to be the Swiss National Museum until it was taken over by Zurich. Unlike most other museum buildings, this one looks like a mysterious Gothic castle and is an exceptionally photogenic structure. The celebrated Einstein Museum is also a part of this establishment. Helvetiaplatz is the closest bus stop and you can get on bus number 19 from the main train station.