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Pricimo ScoreHidden Gem
Shake, Learn, and Stare at Serious Rocks at focusTerra
focusTerra is an earth science museum located in District 6, Zürich, right by ETH at Sonneggstrasse 5. Come for the geology, stay for the genuinely fun stuff—especially the earthquake simulator, where you can feel different quake intensities and understand what they mean in real life.
Inside, it’s a calm, well-designed space with an architecturally striking building vibe and clear explanations (lots of signage in English). You’ll find impressive rock and mineral displays, exhibits that explain the formation of the Alps, and interactive stations that make the science click without turning it into a lecture. There’s also a small corner with books, a globe showing continental movement, and hands-on bits like dinosaur toys—enough to keep curious minds busy.
Here’s the rebellious part: it’s one of the rare free entry spots in the city that doesn’t feel like a compromise. For a Zurich museum day, this is excellent value—plan 1–2 hours if you want to do it properly, longer if you like reading every panel.
Insider tip: Aim for a quieter weekday visit and time it so you can catch the simulator session—then follow up with a slow lap of the Alps section. If you’re choosing one stop for Zurich museum learning without the price tag, make it focusTerra.
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Frank Monnerjahn
in the last weekANDRES RAMOS CARRILLO
in the last weekGeological Museum at the University of Zurich. A wide variety of rocks and minerals are displayed on two floors. It also has many exhibits that explain how earthquakes occur, the origin of the planets, the function of the planet's natural resources, and their conservation. Admission is free and it's suitable for children. Highly recommended.
Paulina Knörlein
3 weeks agoA very nicely presented and interactive exhibition.
Anastasija Tortevska
3 weeks agoGreat rock collection.
Famiglia Comitti
a month ago