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focusTerra

focusTerra is the Earth & Science Discovery Center of ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. The earth science museum explains complex processes in and on our planet in generally understandable terms, including earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, the formation of the Alps, crystals, gemstones, fossils and meteorites. The permanent exhibition comprises the areas Dynamics of the Earth, Treasures of the Earth, Archives of the Earth and Reliefs, as well as an earthquake simulator. The museum also presents changing special exhibitions and offers guided tours, workshops and online tours.

Families and Kids

focusTerra offers workshops for children and young people, such as exploring minerals (from age 7) and growing crystals (ages 8-12), where children can experiment hands-on with minerals and grow their own crystal. The earthquake simulator is not suitable for children under 5, and children between 5 and 11 may only visit it accompanied by an adult.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: Yes
  • Lockers: True
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Science and technology
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Workshops, Interactive exhibits, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00; closed on Saturdays.
Monday
09:00-17:00
Tuesday
09:00-17:00
Wednesday
09:00-17:00
Thursday
09:00-17:00
Friday
09:00-17:00
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
10:00-16:00

Admission fees

0 CHF
Adult admission

Contact

Webpage
focusterra.ethz.ch
Email
info_focusterra@eaps.ethz.ch
Address
Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zürich

Access

Nearby stops

  • Zürich, ETH/Universitätsspital150 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Zürich HB
12m
Zug
36m
Olten
44m
Luzern
56m
Bern
1h 8m

FAQ

  • Is the earthquake simulator freely accessible?
    No, the earthquake simulator is not freely accessible; it can only be visited as part of a one-hour guided tour.
  • Can I have my own rocks, minerals or fossils identified at focusTerra?
    Yes, the curators of the Earth Science Collections offer free identification of rocks, minerals and fossils using simple tools, for non-commercial purposes only.
  • Are there guided tours on Sundays?
    Yes, on Sundays there are free public tours on earthquakes (including the simulator) at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00, an introduction to the current special exhibition at 12:00, and a tour of the permanent exhibition at 14:00. No registration is required.
  • Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
    Yes, the entrance is at ground level with automatic doors, barrier-free lifts connect the exhibition floors, and all exhibition areas can be reached and visited with a wheelchair. A gender-neutral wheelchair-accessible toilet is located directly at the entrance.
  • Are there workshops for children and young people?
    Yes, focusTerra offers workshops for children and young people, such as exploring minerals, growing crystals, the formation of the Alps and climate in mind. Registration is required at least three weeks in advance.