The exhibition 'Colonialisme. Une Suisse impliquée' is in its final days and runs through Sunday, 11 October 2026. It offers the first overview in French-speaking Switzerland of the history of Switzerland’s colonial links, drawing on the latest research and bringing together numerous objects, artworks, photographs and archival documents.
The exhibition examines the meaning of Switzerland’s colonial heritage today. Its account includes Switzerland’s participation in the trafficking of enslaved people, mercenary service in colonies, and scientific research that justified the exploitation of human beings and natural resources.
Alongside these forms of involvement, the exhibition presents figures who opposed and resisted colonialism, including Swiss individuals and institutions as well as enslaved and colonized people, although traces of the latter are described as rare.
The exhibition’s final section invites visitors to confront current debates about the continuing effects of European colonialism, which still shapes the world today.
Among the displayed objects is a colonial helmet probably from the Congo, dating from the late 19th century. The exhibition also includes ankle and hand irons from the Basel Mission collection, originating in West Africa and dating from before 1900.
