A journey through time exploring Europe and Switzerland in the second half of the 19th century illustrates the search for innovation and style for new interiors, everyday products, paintings and buildings. This was an age of rapid technological change and social upheaval – not unlike today. Through selected objects from the worlds of architecture, art and craft, we can gain an insight into the various juxtapositions in style that marked a controversial era: specimen collections were built up, schools of arts and crafts were established and major cities began to take on the visual aspect we are familiar with today. A passionate debate on suitable style was born.