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Museum · Zermatt, Valais
Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis
Underground museum at the Kirchplatz that reconstructs old village houses and tells the history of the Matterhorn, featuring the rope that broke on the first ascent in 1865.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis
The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis lies beneath the Kirchplatz in the center of Zermatt. Built under the square due to lack of space in the village.
Inside, visitors walk through a reconstructed village, with houses, barns, a church and an old hotel assembled with original parts. The rooms show how people lived in Zermatt in the 19th century, before and during the arrival of tourism.
The central theme is the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. The rope that snapped on the descent, when four of the seven climbers fell, is on display. The museum also features Theo, a 16th-century mercenary who died crossing the Theodul pass, and a rock brought from the summit into space by Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier.
A multimedia room completes the visit, with films about the mountain and life in the valley.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
The museum opens in the afternoon. It is a good option for cloudy or rainy days, when the viewpoints are covered. It closes for part of November and has reduced hours in late autumn.
How to get there
It is located at the Kirchplatz, in front of the catholic church, about a 10-minute walk from the station via Bahnhofstrasse.
Tip
Visit the museum before going up to the viewpoints to understand the mountain's history. Combine it with the mountaineers' cemetery next to the church.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis
Where is the Matterhorn Museum?
Under the Kirchplatz, in the centre of Zermatt, opposite the Catholic church.
What is special about the museum?
The rope that broke on the descent of the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, and old village houses reconstructed underground.
Is the museum open year-round?
It opens in the afternoons for most of the year, but closes for part of November. Check before visiting.