ITALIANITÀ – EXPERIENCES OF SWITZERLAND - NATIONAL MUSEUM ZURICH
Switzerland has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Developments such as immigration and the advent of the internet have profoundly transformed social dynamics, continuing to shape how people interact today. However, it’s not always possible to represent these changes through objects. The installation Experiences of Switzerland focuses instead on direct witnesses. Their stories and experiences offer museum visitors a multifaceted perspective on contemporary Swiss history.
Each year, a new theme is explored through this format, which operates without objects. Instead, it features an immersive, large-scale projection paired with audio available via headphones.
In today’s Switzerland, a southern sensibility has become part of everyday life. Italianità is primarily linked to immigration from Italy, but there is also a “native Italianità” in Ticino and Graubünden. Over time, elements of the Italian lifestyle have been embraced by many Swiss, leaving their mark across the country—from Basel to Vevey and Sion, from Zurich’s streets to the old town of Biel. This intangible cultural heritage reflects the journey toward the modern “Mediterranean Switzerland.” However, this journey has not always been easy. On a personal level, it has intertwined with stories of joy and struggle alike.
Ten direct witnesses share their narratives in Experiences of Switzerland – Italianità.