Basel, Switzerland, is a city packed with culture—home to nearly 40 museums covering art, history, design, and science. Since our 8-year-old son has recently developed a keen interest in Ancient Egyptian history, we decided to visit the Antikenmuseum Basel (Museum of Antiquities). This museum showcases artifacts spanning over 5,000 years of Mediterranean culture, with dedicated sections on Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. We spent about an hour exploring, and the Ancient Egypt exhibition was easily the highlight for our family.
Ancient Egypt at the Antikenmuseum
The newly renovated Ancient Egypt section, located on the lower level, offers a glimpse into life thousands of years ago. The collection includes intricately decorated sarcophagi, jewelry, mirrors, hieroglyphs, and everyday objects that reveal how Egyptians lived and worked. Our children especially loved the kid-friendly drawers that encourage hands-on learning—they could feel the difference between clay and limestone or discover which organs were placed in canopic jars during mummification.
While the displays are in German, the free museum Wi‑Fi made it easy to translate information using our phones. There’s also a free audio guide available in English, French, and German that can be downloaded to your smartphone—we brought our own headphones. The audio guide is designed for adults, but our son still enjoyed listening to the sections related to his favorite artifacts. The space isn’t overly large, making it the perfect size to keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Exploring Ancient Greece and Rome
After the Egyptian area, we briefly explored the Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome exhibits. The Greek section displayed beautiful pottery and even a hoplite soldier’s armor, complete with shield. The Roman room featured carved marble pieces and classical sculptures. We weren’t able to visit the special temporary exhibition, Hero Games, which lets visitors take on missions as ancient heroes. Reservations are required in advance, and spots fill up quickly. This interactive exhibit runs until March 29, 2026.
Amenities, Arrival, and Tickets
At the entrance, you’ll find the ticket booth and a small gift shop. Admission to the permanent collection is free on Saturdays and Sundays, making it a great budget-friendly family activity in Basel. Although the museum is housed in an older building, it’s accessible, with an elevator, free lockers, and coat hooks (note that backpacks aren’t allowed inside). Be sure to ask for the Wi‑Fi password at the front desk and set up the audio guide before heading downstairs—cell reception is limited in the basement.
There’s also an on-site bistro with a dining area. For those arriving by car, the Kunstmuseum parking garage is located just across the street. If you’re traveling by tram, the Bankverein stop is only a short walk away, making the museum easy to reach via public transportation.
Final Thoughts
The Antikenmuseum Basel is an excellent destination for families with kids interested in ancient history. Our children especially enjoyed the Ancient Egypt section, which combines learning with hands-on exploration. With free admission on weekends, it’s an educational, budget-friendly outing and a perfect indoor option for rainy days in Basel. For more family friendly recommendations for museums in Switzerland, visit our blog.