The Swiss Customs Museum is located on the lake opposite Gandria, only accessible by ship, boat or hiking trail. It was set up in 1935 in an old border guard barracks on the border in Cantine di Gandria. The museum, which not only takes into account the history of customs but also the present, was transformed into an interactive exhibition in 1994.
There are painted and enameled customs boards in the small harbor. Old border stones from all over Switzerland were placed in the garden on the other side of the house. In the veranda you can see a control device that can be used to detect hidden cavities for contraband in a car. Information boards under the stairs provide information about violations of customs regulations, etc.
Exhibits on Ticino's customs history from 1850 to 1930 can be seen in the rooms on the ground floor. All the furniture is from the period: chairs, desks, cupboards with old and new uniforms.
The first floor contains Swiss customs documents and equipment from yesterday and today. One sector of the exhibition is dedicated to the Second World War. The events can also be viewed on a photo CD. In one bar, tragic incidents that affected border guards are remembered.
The fight against smuggling is shown on the second floor. Topics: Counterfeiting of goods and documents and the utensils and techniques used, protection of endangered animal species and plants, drug trafficking. A computer game and a night vision device, as well as numerous video programs, ensure the interactive involvement of museum visitors.
The third floor houses a special exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of Swiss Customs. The entire museum facility was checked and improved in 2000.
Open from April 7th to October 20th.