Autumn in Zurich finds its heart on the peninsula where the Limmat and Sihl rivers meet. Here, in a quiet garden, ancient ginkgo trees stand sentry beside the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zurich), their golden leaves falling like memories. Few visitors, however, would guess the turbulent story behind this serene façade.

The museum’s journey began with contention. In the 19th century, while other nations erected monuments of national pride, Switzerland debated whether a unified identity warranted a national museum at all, a reflection of its long tradition of cantonal autonomy.

Finally, in 1883, an art exhibition in Zurich sparked renewed interest, and after eight years of heated competition among major cities, Zurich was chosen as the site. Young architect Gustav Gull designed an eclectic building combining elements from across Switzerland, and he even incorporated an adjoining wing for a craft school—a novel fusion of museum and education.

Yet, barely a year into construction, expansion was already necessary to accommodate the rapidly growing collections. Over the years, ambitious proposals came and went, thwarted by lack of funds, wartime priorities, and shifting politics.

At last, in the 21st century, architects Christ & Gantenbein extended Gull’s vision with a low-profile polyhedral addition. The new wing, a harmonious yet restrained addition, took 16 years to complete, finally realising Zurich’s century-old dream.