Landesmuseum Zürich Tackles the Question: What Does Switzerland Eat?

Visual of the exhibition “What does Switzerland eat?”, Graphic David Clavadetscher © Swiss National Museum

In 2017, the Forum Schweizer Geschichte Schwyz (Forum of Swiss History Schwyz) hosted an exhibition, “Was isst die Schweiz?” (What Does Switzerland Eat?). I was thrilled to learn that it is now being hosted by the Landesmuseum Zürich (National Museum Zurich) until September 23, 2018. This exhibition looks at many aspects of food in Switzerland, exploring its connections to history, art, culture and more. Unfortunately, I did not make it to Schwyz, so I will be sure not to miss it this time in Zurich.

Tin “pure clarified butter,” Central Association of Swiss Milk Producers, 1900 – 1950, tinplate © Swiss National Museum

Switzerland’s culinary heritage is the focus of this exhibition. It highlights some lesser-known Swiss regional dishes, one of my favorite subjects, as well as culinary tools — like the grater used on apples when making birchermuësli. You will also find information about Switzerland’s top chefs, such as Daniel Humm, whose New York restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, earned the title of best restaurant in the world in 2017.

Bircher grater, tinplate, producer: Merker & Cie. AG, Baden, around 1940 – 1960 © Swiss National Museum

Landesmuseum Zürich is offering guided tours in German during this exhibition, as well as workshops for schools. Private tours can also be scheduled in other languages, including English. You can make these reservations by phone (044 218 66 00, from Monday to Friday between 9.00 a.m.-12.30 p.m.) or via email, reservationen@nationalmuseum.ch.

Landesmuseum Zürich, Museumstrasse 2, Zürich, +41 (0)44 218 65 11, info@nationalmuseum.ch
Exhibition: What Does Switzerland Eat? – March 2 to September 23, 2018