Zurich’s first museum

Citizens’ library and art chamber

Established in the Wasserkirche in 1629, the citizens’ library was not only the city’s first public library but also “Zurich’s first museum”. Its art chamber brought together objects from science, nature and art to create a microcosm of the entire universe. This virtually forgotten chapter of Zurich’s cultural history forms the subject of the current exhibition at the Zentralbibliothek. Highlights include the “Holbein table”, which was a major draw for visitors as far back as the 17th century.