FIFA World Football Museum

The FIFA World Football Museum stands in the Enge district of Zurich, close to the lake and a short walk from Enge station, in a building put up specifically to tell the story of the world's most popular sport. It opened in February 2016 and spreads across three floors with about three thousand square metres of exhibition space and more than a thousand objects, a sizeable collection even by the standards of a major city. The organisers call it a museum for fans, and the approach is deliberately lively rather than academic.

The centrepiece is the real FIFA World Cup trophy, the golden figure of two athletes holding up the globe, which is displayed behind glass in the museum. Seeing the actual object that teams have fought over for decades is the moment many fans come for. Around it, galleries trace the history of the tournament from its beginnings in 1930, with shirts, boots, balls, tickets, programmes, photographs and film clips from every edition. Memorabilia from famous matches and players gives the older material emotional weight, and national stories show how football has been shaped by culture and politics around the world.

The layout is built for movement and play. A cinema with a panoramic screen shows highlights from classic matches, interactive stations invite visitors to test their skills, and the lower floors include areas for games such as pinball. A bar and restaurant provide a place to rest between floors. Families and younger visitors find plenty to do, and the exhibits are in several languages, so the museum works well for international groups.

Practical details help with planning. Tickets are sold on site and online, and holders of the Zürich Card enter without charge, a useful saving for anyone who is also using the card for public transport and other museums. Allow two to three hours for a relaxed visit, and more if you want to try every interactive station.

Neighbouring Enge has pleasant lakeside walks, and the lake promenade is a short stroll away, so the museum can be combined easily with an afternoon by the water. It is a good choice for rainy days and for anyone who enjoys sport and its stories.