Einfach Zürich provides historical interpretation of Zurich’s city and canton in the National Museum, situated next to the central train station. The exhibition’s centrepiece is a Schatzkammer of sorts – a treasure trove of nearly 100 objects whose stories playfully and interactively illustrate how Zurich became what it is today.
For example, a bottle of WC-Ente (Toilet Duck) provides a representation of sewage reform, without which our streets would still stink to high heaven. A disposable syringe symbolizes Platzspitz-Park-era drug policy, while a surety bond belonging to Vladimir Lenin tells of his stay in Zurich, where he would meet his future lifesaver. Zurich's role in World War II, as well as its entanglements in colonialism and slavery, are presented alongside its development into a leading global financial centre, a centre for psychology and the creative industries, and a significant centre for research. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, it is even becoming possible to penetrate solid matter, pass through walls, and virtually float in space. The exhibition's supporting program also offers various profound, multifaceted, and playful points of connection for exploring these themes in depth.
