Museum.BL

Museum.BL is the cantonal museum of Basel-Landschaft, housed in Liestal at Zeughausplatz 28, near the old town. It covers the history, archaeology, nature and culture of the canton, and its best-known theme is the silk-ribbon industry that once defined life in the Baselbiet. From the 18th century into the 20th, ribbon weaving, known as Posamenterei, was a major occupation in the villages around Basel. Many families wove at home on looms set up in their living rooms, supplying merchants in the city, and the industry shaped village life, family incomes and the look of the countryside. The trade declined during the 20th century as fashions and manufacturing methods changed, but its memory is still strong in the region.

The museum’s silk-ribbon exhibition is the highlight. It shows historic ribbons in a wide range of patterns and colours, along with the tools and machinery used to make them, and two fully working looms are demonstrated. Seeing the looms in action, with the shuttles moving and the pattern growing row by row, gives a feel for the skill and noise of the work. Panels and displays explain the social side, including the role of home weavers, the dependence on city merchants and the effect of economic cycles. It is a story of Swiss industrial history that is less well known than watchmaking, and it fits well with the museum’s wider interest in everyday life.

Beyond the ribbons, the museum has exhibits on the archaeology of the canton, from prehistoric finds to Roman remains, as well as on its natural history and recent history. Rotating displays and special exhibitions bring in other themes, so the visit changes over time. A programme of workshops, hands-on activities and themed tours is aimed at families and school groups, and some offers are tailored for specific audiences such as visitors with dementia. A Swiss museum of this kind benefits from active programming, and this one is known for it. The museum is accessible, well connected by public transport, and close to the station.

Liestal itself is a small, pleasant town, and the museum can be combined with a walk through the old town, the town gate called the Törli and the Stadtkirche. It also pairs well with the Liestal–Bubendorf Cycle Route or a walk up to the Schleifenberg lookout tower. Check current opening hours and prices on the museum’s website before visiting, as they change.

The museum suits families, craft and industry enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the Basel region’s history beyond the city. Allow around an hour or two.