«We, Seasonal Workers»: Zurich 1931-2026 - Exhibition at the Photobastei

The successful and highly topical exhibition from Geneva is coming to the German-speaking region of Switzerland for the first time: to Zurich, to the Photobastei, right in the city's former working- class neighbourhood.

The exhibition sheds light on a chapter of Swiss history that remained in the shadows for a long time and whose repercussions extend to the present day.

For decades, seasonal workers in Switzerland were welcome as labourers but not as people. Subject to a rigid residence permit, they worked on countless construction sites, in agricultural operations, private households, or the hospitality industry and significantly contributed to the Swiss economic boom of the post-war period. This was mostly away from their families, without security, exposed to the whims of employers and migration authorities. Housed in barracks and makeshift accommodations, they often lived and worked far from the rest of society—a reality that continues in a different form today.

The exhibition is dedicated to the living and working conditions of seasonal workers in Switzerland and questions the connections to today's labour and migration policies. Historical documents, interviews, images, and film material make personal stories and social contexts visible.

The exhibition was conceived and first shown in Geneva in 2019. The great success with the public led to its adoption by the New Museum Biel three years later, where it was adapted and expanded for the Biel context. The exhibition was also highly successful in Biel. Now it is being shown in the German-speaking region of Switzerland for the first time: The association histoire publique adapted it to Zurich conditions and brings the exhibition to the Photobastei in Zurich, right next to the main train station, accompanied by a diverse programme with affected persons and other experts.

Travel Information:
Photobastei, Sihlquai 125
8005 Zurich
Tram and bus to Limmatplatz.

Opening Hours:
Wednesday & Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Guided Tours:
Guided tours for groups and school classes also possible outside opening hours.
Inquiries at: info@histoire-publique.ch

Production:
Histoire publique (Zurich) in cooperation with the Archives contestataires, Collège du travail, and Rosa Brux (Geneva). The Zurich version of the exhibition is based on an exhibition initiated by the city of Geneva and expanded by the New Museum Biel (NMB).

Supporters and Cooperation Partners:
City of Zurich Contribution Fund, Ernst Göhner Foundation, Integration Unit Canton Zurich, Unit for the Fight against Racism EDI, Filmpodium Zurich, Trade Union Federation of the Canton Zurich, Migros Culture Percentage, Migros Engagement, Paul Schiller Foundation, Photobastei, Swiss Charity Society, Swiss Social Archive Zurich, Women's Work Foundation, Radio LoRa, Foundation for Art, Culture, and History, Temperatio Foundation, UNIA Migration Zurich/Schaffhausen, Zethno Association, Wochenzeitung WOZ.

Media Contact: info@histoire-publique.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Schweizerisches Sozialarchiv Zürich