Lakes, Mirrors of Switzerland
From large expanses of water to small mountain tarns, Switzerland’s 1,500 or so lakes shape its landscape as well as its collective imagination. As the ‘water tower of Europe‘, Switzerland has developed around its water bodies, which have played a key part in the country’s economic, social and cultural evolution.
Everyone in Switzerland has their lake.
Based on the Swiss National Library’s collection, the exhibition Lakes, Mirrors of Switzerland invites you to dive into the country’s history and myths – from the founding legend to modern tales, and from the tradition of open-air swimming to the construction of dams and reservoirs. Switzerland’s ubiquitous lakes have always been a source of inspiration for artists and writers, giving rise to a shared heritage, where nature meets culture.
Like the snowy mountain peaks, the crystal-clear waters of Switzerland’s lakes convey the image of a clean, idyllic Swiss landscape, which has also become a key tourist attraction. The exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey and to contemplate, and allows them to (re-) discover Switzerland’s lakes as mirrors of the country’s identity.
Collateral events
Find out about the supporting programme for the exhibition ‘Lakes’ in the events calendar.
Swiss National Library
Section Audience
Hallwylstrasse 15
Switzerland - 3003 Bern