Agenda

Languages are more than merely a means of communication; they also shape daily lives and are part of culture. The exhibition (Sprachenland Schweiz/La Suisse, pays de langues) shows Switzerland’s linguistic landscape. In addition to the four national languages (German, Italian, French, and Romansh), countless other languages, dialects, accents, and types of slang can be heard.

Languages are a key part of Switzerland’s cultural heritage, and this exhibition explores them from a cultural history perspective. Language is constantly changing and closely linked to (contemporary) history. Historical events, such as the presence of Raethian tribes, the Roman occupation, the immigration of German-speaking tribes and Walser, and the Reformation, have decisively shaped the evolution of languages in Switzerland.

Language remains highly political to this day. The exhibition presents various topics innovatively and interactively. Visitors tour and travel through Switzerland’s linguistic landscape in space and time.

The exhibition (Bits, Bytes & Biodiversity) at the Information Centre of the Swiss National Park (Nationalparkzentrum). shows current research projects at the University of Zurich. Ecologists investigate how animal and plant worlds react to human and climatic influences.

In doing so, science is making increasing use of digital tools. For example, camera traps such as those used by the Swiss National Park.

Thanks to these camera traps, scientists can observe wild animals without influencing their behaviour and without using invasive means such as collars or ear tags. However, this method generates huge amounts of data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to select, monitor and analyse these results.

After the First World War (1914-1918) and the collapse of four empires (the Austrian Ottoman, Russian and German Empires), violence and instability undermined  Southeastern Europe.

Signed on 24 July 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne is the only agreement signed in the aftermath of the war that is still in force. Of considerable importance for the history of Europe and the Middle East, it established the birth of modern Turkey, but overlooked the aspirations of minorities.

The exhibition looks back at the key decisons and moments of this conference, which lasted almost nine months. It also shows and considers the questions of remembrance and the treaty’s present-day significance in this part of Europe and the Middle East.