The Swiss Spectator focuses on the history and culture of Switzerland, a remarkable country with a robust business environment, a relatively well-functioning (direct) democracy and respect for the rule of law.
It features an overview of the country’s museums and exhibitions, cultural events, monuments, rich cultural heritage, commemorations and magnificent nature. The relationship between Switzerland and the European Union is also covered.
The country’s surrounding regions have always played a crucial role in Swiss history and culture: Northern Italy (Valley of Aoste, Lombardy and Vinschgau (Venosta), Eastern France (Franche-Comté, Alsace, Haute-Savoie and Savoie), Southern Germany (Lake Constance region) and Austria (Vorarlberg).
Four periods and subjects are covered: the Roman Empire and the process of romanisation, the Middle Ages (from the Kingdoms of Burgundy to the sixteenth century), the long nineteenth century (1815-1918), and Switzerland’s multicultural, multilinguistic and cosmopolitan aspects.
Events
Origen Summerfestival Creaziun
The programme of the annual summer festival of the Origen Foundation (Fundaziun Origen) in Riom (Canton of Grisons) revolves around creation and destruction, myth and evolution, paradise and the end of the world. With 11 premieres and 132 events, Origen is venturing into a strong revival after the long pandemic silence. The festival is dedicated … Read more » “Origen Summerfestival Creaziun”
Commemorations
Pile Dwellings around the Alps
In 2021, the „Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps“ celebrates the tenth anniversary of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The transnational site was entered into the UNESCO World Heritage registry on June 27th, 2011. Of the more than 1000 known pile dwellings in central Europe, only 111 representative sites in France, Italy, … Read more » “Pile Dwellings around the Alps”
Multicultural and Cosmopolitan Switzerland
News NewslettersThe origin of the French, German, Italian and Romansh languages and cultures will be addressed. The Roman Empire and the Middle Ages are the crucial periods. The contributions also pay attention to the multicultural, multilingual and cosmopolitan society.
Agenda
Swiss Sculpture since 1945
10 June 2021
This exhibition shows the sculptural work of the past 76 years in Switzerland. It presents 230 works by 150 artists from the four linguistic regions of the country, including famous names such as Hans Arp, Germaine Richier, Max Bill and Meret Oppenheim, through to Fischli/Weiss, Roman Signer, Sylvie Fleury and Ugo Rondinone. The younger generations … Read more » “Swiss Sculpture since 1945”
Constitution and Democracy
The Great Constitution of 1848
17 April 2021
The Constitution of 1848 marked the beginning of a rapid development of the new Swiss Confederation in almost all areas. 1815-1848 The confederation of sovereign cantons in 1815 became a federal state of three political layers: the federal level, the cantons and the municipalities. The principle of sovereign cantons remained unchanged with one important difference: … Read more » “The Great Constitution of 1848”
Latest news
360° panorama of Swiss Castles
4 June 2021
The castles of Burgdorf, Hallwyl, Wildegg, Romont, Spiez, Zug, Waldegg, Werdenbergand the Stockalper castle in Brig can be visited virtually and explored inside and out. The individual visit in the magnificent 360° panorama offers the viewer a unique experience that is completely new in the world of cultural heritage. The GSK (Gesellschaft Schweizerische Kunstgeschichte (www.gsk.ch) … Read more » “360° panorama of Swiss Castles”
Nature and Tourism
The Jura Mountain Range
9 June 2021
The Jura mountain range extends over several cantons in western Switzerland. It borders the Swiss Plateau region and covers 10% of the total area of Switzerland. In French-speaking Switzerland, the Jura mainly covers the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Bern and Jura, and in German-speaking Switzerland the cantons of Solothurn, Basel-Land and Aargau. The Jura … Read more » “The Jura Mountain Range”