Where: The
Swiss National Museum, Switzerland / Zürich
When: Apr 10,
2016 - Oct 2, 2016
In the
context of the opening of the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, the Forum of Swiss
History in Schwyz is putting on an exhibition from April 16th until October
2nd, 2016 about this gigantic construction project, the biggest yet in
Switzerland. The two earlier Gotthard tunnel projects – the railway tunnel and
later the road tunnel – were technological masterpieces, but the new base
tunnel breaks all records.
A mountain
massif that has been tunnelled three times within 150 years for the purpose of
traffic facilitation is unique. The exhibition explains why and how the three
tunnels were built in response to changing economic and political
circumstances. Comparisons show that the Gotthard tunnels not only set new
technological standards but also brought about profound economic and social
changes. Visitors learn about the mountain’s history, from the medieval bridle
paths to Switzerland’s most costly and prestigious construction project, a
mountain that has become more like an imposing edifice which is traversed
millions of times a year.
The first
part of the exhibition explains how the three tunnels have changed the flow of
traffic across and through the mountain massif. As numerous documents and
objects make clear, the Gotthard route is Europe’s most important transport
artery, giving rise to national ambitions but also leading to consequences for
the region.
The second
part of the exhibition illustrates the economic relevance and cultural
influence of the tunnel systems. The old medieval bridle path over the Gotthard
pass, once one of the most important links between north and south, has been
converted into Switzerland’s most costly construction project. Fifteen million
tons of goods a year are carried by rail through the Gotthard, while seven
million cars cross the Alps by this route.
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