Museo storico della Valle di Blenio

The Museo storico etnografico Valle di Blenio in Lottigna, Switzerland, is housed in a monumental 16th-century palace built on older walls (1461), whose facade is entirely frescoed with the coats of arms of the landfogti of Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden. An ethnographic section preserves objects of rural craftsmanship, sacred art, agriculture, winemaking, dairy and beekeeping, reflecting the valley's chocolate-making tradition, the Ambrosian rite and Napoleonic-inspired militias. A richly illustrated section with a multimedia archive recalls Bleniese emigration, including the famous chocolatiers, chestnut roasters, ice-cream makers and restaurateurs, while a room in the tower is dedicated to botanist Mosè Bertoni. The museum also includes the historic Cà da Rivöi in Olivone, known for its sacred art collection, and hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The museum offers a multimedia archive and interactive cartographic portal that can engage children and families. The temporary exhibition invites visitors to participate in the renewal process of the museum, and various family-oriented events are organized during the season.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90 min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: Culture and ethnography
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits
    • Free entrance: No

Opening hours

The Lottigna site (Palazzo dei Landfogti) is open Tuesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 17:30, and the Olivone site (Cà da Rivöi) on Fridays and Sundays from 14:00 to 17:30, from April 5 to November 8, 2026.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
14:00-17:30 (April 5 to November 8, 2026)
Wednesday
14:00-17:30 (April 5 to November 8, 2026)
Thursday
14:00-17:30 (April 5 to November 8, 2026)
Friday
14:00-17:30 (April 5 to November 8, 2026)
Saturday
14:00-17:30 (April 5 to November 8, 2026)
Sunday
14:00-17:30 (April 5 to November 8, 2026)

Contact

Webpage
museovallediblenio.ch
Email
info@museovallediblenio.ch
Address
Via al Museo di Blenio 9, 6716 Lottigna

Access

Nearby stops

  • Lottigna450 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Bellinzona
44m
Lugano
1h 4m
Locarno
1h 19m
Zug
2h 4m
Luzern
2h 14m

FAQ

  • Is the RSI Totem Valle di Blenio free to use?
    Yes, the RSI Totem Valle di Blenio, located on the second floor of the Palazzo dei Landfogti in Lottigna, can be used free of charge during the museum's opening hours, without paying the entrance ticket.
  • Can I become a member of the museum association and what benefits does it offer?
    Yes, membership is open to all. Members enter free of charge at both sites (Lottigna and Olivone), receive a 10% discount on publications published by the museum and benefit from preferential rates for events organized by the museum. The annual membership fee starts at CHF 40 for individuals.
  • Are drinks and ice cream available at the museum?
    Yes, at the museum's reception you can buy drinks from Acqua Adula and ice cream from the Croce farm in Campo Blenio, which can be enjoyed in the museum's garden.
  • Is there an interactive cartographic portal available?
    Yes, the museum offers an interactive cartographic portal at map.museovallediblenio.ch that allows visitors to explore the territory of the valley.

Included in