“The worlds of consumption” at the National Museum in Zurich

(Keystone-ATS) The exhibition “The Worlds of Consumption” is visible from Friday until April 21. It offers “an overview of the evolution and economic, cultural and social importance of consumption habits” in Switzerland, underlines the National Museum.

The first part of the exhibition presents the evolution of the main points of sale, which diversified from the mid-19th century. Photographs illustrate historical aspects of retailing, such as the launch of self-service, window displays, advertising and shopping.

Key witness

In particular, you can admire a kiosk installed at the beginning of the 20th century in Locarno. At first, newspapers, sweets and cigarettes were sold there. Its offering then expanded at the end of the 1990s with internet access and outdoor activities. He is a “key witness to the evolution of our consumer culture and our daily lives,” according to the museum.

The second part of the exhibition is devoted to “moments of consumption” in the form of photographs and graphic works. These reflect basic needs, but also societal trends associated with a quest for well-being, social status or identity.

Slides from a couple’s vacation serve as an example to illustrate the growing prosperity from the 1950s onwards. They show the couple on a cruise, on a sightseeing excursion or sunbathing by the sea.

www.landesmuseum.ch