Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne appoints Martin Ettlinger as new director
Lucerne - Martin Ettlinger is the new director of the Swiss Museum of Transport. The current Head of Market and Development and member of the Board of Directors will be tasked with ensuring continuity and the further development of the museum. He will succeed Martin Bütikofer, who is set to enter retirement at the end of February 2026.
According to a statement, Martin Ettlinger will take over the position of director of the Swiss Museum of Transport on March 1, 2026. Ettlinger has been a member of the Board of Directors and Head of Market and Development for the interactive transport museum since 2021. With his appointment, the museum is gaining a «leader from within its own ranks» who knows the museum, its partners, and its environment «extremely well» and has been significantly involved in developing the company’s strategy. As the new director, Ettlinger will now be responsible for the strategic and operational development of the Swiss Museum of Transport, which attracts more than one million visitors each year and describes itself as the most visited museum in Switzerland.
In the statement, Ettlinger figuratively describes the Swiss Museum of Transport as a ship that he intends to continue steering to promote «enthusiasm for technology and mobility». He explains further: «We are the most relevant platform for mobility topics in Switzerland and, as one of the world’s leading institutions, we are consistently developing our approach of making learning fun».
Ettlinger began his career in the media sector at Swiss Radio and Television (SRF) and the Swiss Media Association, where he held an executive position. His previous role as departmental head for national and international affairs at the Federal Customs Administration has reportedly allowed him to amass a broad network within the federal administration. Before this, Ettlinger represented the interests of the canton of Lucerne in Bern. He will now succeed Martin Bütikofer, who will retire at the end of February 2026.
Founded on July 1, 1959, the museum offers an interactive experience that combines a transport exhibition, a film theater and a planetarium. New attractions include Media World, the House of Energy and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure. The building can also be booked as a conference and event venue.
