The meadows and forests are exploding with extraordinary color and the song bursting forth indicative of natures frolicking. In the midst of this theater, it can be easy to forget the soggy days and weeks that led us to this point. Spring, for all its glory, is that in-between season where I find it challenging to entertain myself. I love to be outdoors; but after being bundled-up all winter against the cold and snow, I hesitate to put on galoshes to slosh through the muddy, lukewarm and bug buzzing natural world. So instead, I opt for an urban experience.
On a rainy, but not entirely cold Spring morning, I donned my urban garb and took on the morning commute. My destination: a photographic exhibition at the National Museum in Zürich.
I love photography and history so I was thrilled to be able to see the “C’est la Vie” exhibition featuring Swiss press photography since 1940. The photographs were acquired by the Swiss National Museum in 2006 from the archives of the press photo agencies Presse Diffusion Lausanne and Actualité Suisse Lausanne. The exhibition did not disappoint and I was enthralled not only by the quality of the photos on display but also by the stories they told. Although the exhibition closed its doors in Zürich 06.05.2012 , it will be viewable at Château de Prangins from 16.11.2012 − 19.05.2013. I highly recommend it!
While the photography exhibition was my main purpose for heading to the museum, I quickly became enamored by the rest of the exhibitions on display starting, of course, with the “History of Switzerland”. After a couple hours of wandering through the halls attempting to grasp the very complex history of this tiny country and with my head buzzing from the effort, I decided to call it quits with a promise to return another day. For the curious, the history exhibition is broken down into 4 thematic sections:
- History of Migration and Settlement ( Fascinating … )
- Religious and Intellectual History ( Convoluted …. )
- Political History (Eyes glazed over and I might have begun mumbling to myself)
- Economic Development ( Recognized products and industries … Cool! )
Another wonderful attraction is the building itself. The museum, designed in the late 1800s by Gustav Gull, is an amalgamation of medieval features and the era of the time. Whereas I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around the grounds, I wish it had been a bit warmer I could have rested longer in the square. Next time!
A final point that makes the National Museum in Zürich so interesting is its location. This jewel can be found directly across from the Zürich Main Train Station thus making it and the city an easy day-tripping destination
PS: I am happy to report that while the rain continues to fall, there are more and more days of sun and the promise that I may soon be able store aways my galoshes! Nevertheless, I am heartened to have discovered I can enjoy some fascinating cultural excursions in the meantime! I invite you to do the same !
Landesmuseum Zürich
Swiss National Museum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2
8021 Zürich
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
http://www.musee-suisse.ch