In an exhibition exploring the experiences of contemporary witnesses, the National Museum Zurich delves into more recent history and looks at Italianità in Switzerland from a variety of perspectives.

A southern European attitude to life is part of Switzerland today. This Italianità stems mainly from Italian immigrants. In the post-war years, almost half of all Italians who emigrated settled in Switzerland. At the same time, Switzerland has its own home-grown Italianità in Ticino and parts of Graubünden.

Many Swiss have adopted the Italian lifestyle over the years, and it is now in evidence across the country – from Basel to Vevey and Sion, and from the streets of Zurich to Biel’s old town. It is part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. Nonetheless, the path to today’s Mediterranean Switzerland was not always a smooth one; it is littered with both uplifting and sad life stories. Ten contemporary witnesses share their personal accounts in the new 'Experiences of Switzerland – Italianità' exhibition.

Many developments of the recent past have left their mark on Switzerland. Immigration and the advent of the internet are examples of far-reaching social changes that still influence life today. Objects cannot show all these developments in their full complexity. That’s why the new 'Experiences of Switzerland' exhibition format centres on contemporary witnesses. Their journeys and experiences give visitors a detailed look back over Swiss contemporary history. The theme of this new exhibition format will change every year.

More about the exhibition