A dancer, a Geneva cabaret and secret weapon plans – under the name ‘Nina’, Italian Virginie Rota moved between the stage and the worlds of diplomacy and intelligence. Her story took place in Geneva at the time of the League of Nations – in a city in which international politics and espionage rubbed shoulders. Read more
The Swiss public seem to have forgotten the war that broke out in Yugoslavia in 1991. Nonetheless, it did (and still does) affect people living in Switzerland who came from the war zone. They were stigmatised during and after the war, while the influx of people from ex-Yugoslavia has left a mark on Swiss culture and everyday life.
📷 Demonstration of 4 May 1991 on Parliament Square in Bern against the oppression of the minorities in Kosovo. Swiss National Museum / ASL
Read more: https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2026/10/forgotten-war-lasting-impact/
During the Second World War, 166 stricken US bombers landed in Swiss fields and meadows. The story of the more than 1,500 airmen who were subsequently interned in the mountains has been largely forgotten today. Read more
In the past, many sports clubs encompassed more than one discipline. One example was FC Zurich, whose former rowing section had a particularly eventful and successful history. Read more
In 1976, members of the association for Swiss veterans of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) unveiled a commemorative plaque in Zurich for the fallen fighters. This was the first small step towards official recognition.
Read more exactly here.
Hail poses an existential threat to agriculture. For decades, Swiss farmers tried to prevent damage to their crops using silver iodide rockets. In 1986, a report by ETH Zurich shattered the bold dreams of hail prevention.
Read more: https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2026/09/rockets-to-fight-hail-clouds/
From airplanes to wings and skyscrapers: historic scientific discoveries were made in the wind and supersonic tunnels of ETH Zurich during the 1930s. Models used for teaching and research in the two tunnels serve as reminders of a pioneering spirit, military requirements and unrealised dreams. Read more
The Great St Bernard Pass has always been known as a major alpine crossing point. Napoleon Bonaparte made skilful use of it for propaganda purposes. Read more
In September 1946, a temporary train station was set up in Köniz for the British wartime prime minister’s visit to Bern. Read more
Swiss mercenaries in foreign service, known by names such as Reisläufer (ones who go to war) or Cent-Suisse (‘Hundred Swiss’; soldiers who guarded the French king), were feared throughout Europe. They began bearing regimental flags with flame-like designs from the 17th century while in the service of France. These flags became synonymous with Switzerland’s illustrious military tradition. Read more
Today, if we want to transfer money or check our custody account we simply reach for our smartphone. This seemingly straightforward procedure is the product of a lengthy evolution. In just a few decades, the everyday financial activities of the Swiss have moved from the physical to the digital realm: from bank counters to a device kept in our trouser pockets.
In early December 1936, the Spanish anarchist Ramón Mateo was laid to rest in Geneva. His funeral procession also became a public demonstration in support of the Spanish Republic.
Read more: https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2026/08/a-funeral-for-the-spanish-republic/
In 1936, Stefan Lux shot himself during a plenary session of the League of Nations. He had wanted to jolt the international community into taking a stand against the politics of the Nazi regime.
More: https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2026/08/stefan-lux-the-warning-no-one-heeded/
In 1939 Hans Erni painted the mural "Die Schweiz, das Ferienland der Völker", which was designed to showcase Switzerland to the world. A year later – during the Second World War – he helped conceal alpine military installations from the enemy. Two commissions, one artistic eye.
https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2026/08/hans-erni-and-the-art-of-camouflage/
En 1456 une marmite de bouillie de millet fut transportée en une journée entre Zurich et Strasbourg par la voie fluviale. À l’arrivée, le millet était encore chaud. La réédition de ce voyage en 1576 fut largement célébrée comme un exploit, mais elle soulignait surtout l’alliance entre les deux villes dans un contexte politique et religieux tendu. Vers l'article
In 1456, a pot of millet porridge was transported by boat from Zurich to Strasbourg in a single day. It was still warm on arrival. The trip was repeated in 1576 and feted as a great achievement, but it mainly served to solidify the alliance between the two cities in a politically and religiously charged period. Read more
Adolf Walter fled Switzerland for the Third Reich in 1939, a fugitive from justice. On returning, he was convicted of treason and served a prison sentence. But that did not stop him from setting up in business and living life as a normal citizen.
In the late 19th century, the corset faced growing criticism as it was deemed constrictive and damaging to health. The women’s movement fought for the reform dress, including in Switzerland – advocating freedom of movement, emancipation and a cut that served the body, rather than forcing it to bow to fashion trends. Read more
Around 100 years ago, a Swedish heiress secured the inheritance of the von Hallwyl family, into which she had married in 1865. The National Museum Zurich is part of that story. Read more
Few items of military equipment are as renowned for their longevity as the ‘Ordonnanzrad 05’ bicycle. It was a staple of military and civilian life for almost a century. In fact, its extensive use within and outside the military plus its legendary indestructibility have made it part of the country’s DNA.