Italianità für Brienz
Henriette Bon Gloor
25. Oktober 2022
Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts wehte ein wenig südliches Flair durch die Werkstuben der Brienzer Schitzlerschule. Die Italianità hatte Schulleiter Hans Kienholz ins Berner Oberland gebracht.
Experiences of Switzerland
Installation | accessibility.time_to
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 format 'Experiences of Switzerland' centres on contemporary witnesses. Their journeys and experiences give visitors a detailed look back over Swiss contemporary history. The theme changes every year. The format works without objects and consists of a large-format and immersive projection with sound via headphones.
A southern European attitude to life is part of Switzerland today. This Italianità stems mainly from Italian immigrants. At the same time, Switzerland has its own home-grown Italianità in Ticino and 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 Sitten, and from 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 shared their personal accounts in 'Experiences of Switzerland – Italianità'.
You can watch the interviews with the contemporary witnesses online here.
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.
The Swiss National Museum would like to thank the Foundation Willy G. S. Hirzel four the generous support
We thank the eyewitnesses for their precious participation: Addei, Gemma, Ivan, Lara, Nunzio, Pierre, Rosanna, Sacha, Sandro, Vita