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Current exhibition: Old Towns. A world of their own

Listening Experience Patumbah

OLD TOWNS

New exhibition

A world of their own. Narrow winding streets, picturesque façades and rich layers of heritage: old town centres are symbols of cultural identity and magnets for tourism. They invite residents and visitors alike to stroll, dine, shop and enjoy the nightlife surrounded by history. And they provide…

Patumbah is
a place in Sumatra

Patumbah-liegt-auf-Sumatra-Ausstellung-Völkerkundemuseum-Universität-Zürich

Showcase exhibition

A villa and its colonial roots: the showcase exhibition takes a closer look at the history leading up to the extravagant Villa Patumbah, addressing the colonial ties of its builder Carl F. Grob in Southeast Asia. It shows key parts of the special exhibition Patumbah is a place in Sumatra…

Visit and take part

Ausstellung

Offers

Experience the history of the villa and park on a theatre tour? Sharpen your eye for the built environment on a guided tour? Actively engage in creative projects in the open studios for children and families? Or surprise your school class with a special excursion? Discover history and stories of…

Villa and park

Visit

Villa Patumbah is located in Zurich’s Seefeld district, surrounded by a spacious public park. It is one of the most important villa complexes of the late 19th century in the city of Zurich and closely intertwined with European colonial history. The Swiss Heritage Society rents out the Villa Patumbah…

(c) Tres Camenzind

22 February 2026, 14:00

On this tour of the house, you will discover the magnificent rooms of Villa…

Reading of the book «Weisch na? Altstadtgeschichten»

26 February 2026, 18:30

Gabriela Kasperski reads stories about Zurich's old town, inspired by Barbara…

Villa-Tour-Theatertour

01 March 2026, 14:00

From Sumatra and the exotic scents of paradise – to dream house and demolition…

Wednesday atelier for children

04 March 2026, 14:00

Become a Patumbah explorer and discover the build environment with a new…