- Federal Office of Culture (German, French, Italian)
- Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council
- Swiss UNESCO commission (German, French)
- Swiss culture (links)
- swissinfo cultural information
- Swiss newspapers
- Swiss literature scene
- Literature in Switzerland (German, French, Italian)
- Swiss museums (German, French, Italian)
- Architecture in Switzerland
- Themed art routes
- Swiss music
- Festivals in Switzerland
- Theatre Agenda
- Swiss film centre
- Customs and Traditions in Switzerland
Four Languages, Four Cultures
Switzerland’s culture is influenced by its geography and multilingualism. Its central position between three major European cultural areas (the German speaking area, France and Italy) and its own linguistic division have led to great diversity in its literature, art, architecture, music and customs. Each linguistic region has its own radio programmes and numerous newspapers. Famous music and film festivals, art exhibitions, a large number of museums and numerous traditional customs attract large numbers of foreign visitors.
Literature
Switzerland has a very lively literature scene. The best known 20th century writers in German are Robert Walser, Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Switzerland also has a Nobel prize winner for literature, Carl Spitteler. Among French-speaking writers Blaise Cendrars is known well beyond Switzerland. The most famous figure from Swiss literature is Heidi, the little girl from the mountains of Graubünden, created by Johanna Spyri.
Museums and Art
Switzerland has numerous museums, ranging from local village museums to world famous art museums designed by leading architects (e.g. the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern or the Jean Tinguely museum in Basel.) Internationally famous Swiss artists include Ferdinand Hodler, Max Bill, Alberto Giacometti and Daniel Spoerri.
Architecture and Design
The lively architecture and design scene whose best known representatives include Herzog & de Meuron, Peter Zumthor, Diener & Diener and Mario Botta has a well known predecessor: the Swiss architect and designer Le Corbusier built furniture and entire towns and his style is still influential today. The state has been involved in preserving the architectural heritage for more than 100 years. More than 2,000 monuments are protected.
Music
Switzerland’s music scene does not consist only of yodeling and alphorns, although folk music has an important part in Swiss cultural life. Numerous pop, classical and jazz festivals are held all over Switzerland, as well as concerts by international stars. Local Swiss musicians are also popular.
Film
The Swiss film industry is less well known internationally, but a Swiss citizen has won six Oscars: the producer Arthur Cohn. Jean-Luc Godard, one of the greatest exponents of the French New Wave, grew up on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Theatre
Alongside large city theatres, Switzerland has a plethora of small theatres and a very lively free theatrical scene. The best known Swiss theatre prize is the Hans Reinhart Ring, awarded to a figure from the Swiss theatre scene since 1957.
Customs and Traditions
Numerous festivals and customs are celebrated throughout the year in Switzerland. Some, like the "Escalade" in Geneva, recall historical events, while other traditions are of religious origin. Swiss National Day is August 1st, celebrating the foundation of the Swiss Confederation in 1291.
Literature
Switzerland has a very lively literature scene. The best known 20th century writers in German are Robert Walser, Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Switzerland also has a Nobel prize winner for literature, Carl Spitteler. Among French-speaking writers Blaise Cendrars is known well beyond Switzerland. The most famous figure from Swiss literature is Heidi, the little girl from the mountains of Graubünden, created by Johanna Spyri.
Museums and Art
Switzerland has numerous museums, ranging from local village museums to world famous art museums designed by leading architects (e.g. the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern or the Jean Tinguely museum in Basel.) Internationally famous Swiss artists include Ferdinand Hodler, Max Bill, Alberto Giacometti and Daniel Spoerri.
Architecture and Design
The lively architecture and design scene whose best known representatives include Herzog & de Meuron, Peter Zumthor, Diener & Diener and Mario Botta has a well known predecessor: the Swiss architect and designer Le Corbusier built furniture and entire towns and his style is still influential today. The state has been involved in preserving the architectural heritage for more than 100 years. More than 2,000 monuments are protected.
Music
Switzerland’s music scene does not consist only of yodeling and alphorns, although folk music has an important part in Swiss cultural life. Numerous pop, classical and jazz festivals are held all over Switzerland, as well as concerts by international stars. Local Swiss musicians are also popular.
Film
The Swiss film industry is less well known internationally, but a Swiss citizen has won six Oscars: the producer Arthur Cohn. Jean-Luc Godard, one of the greatest exponents of the French New Wave, grew up on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Theatre
Alongside large city theatres, Switzerland has a plethora of small theatres and a very lively free theatrical scene. The best known Swiss theatre prize is the Hans Reinhart Ring, awarded to a figure from the Swiss theatre scene since 1957.
Customs and Traditions
Numerous festivals and customs are celebrated throughout the year in Switzerland. Some, like the "Escalade" in Geneva, recall historical events, while other traditions are of religious origin. Swiss National Day is August 1st, celebrating the foundation of the Swiss Confederation in 1291.
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Last modification: 14.01.2008