Colonialism: Switzerland’s involvement

This immersion day offers a deep dive into the little-known history of the ties between Switzerland and the colonial system. As early as the 16th century, Swiss citizens, companies, and institutions maintained close relationships with colonial powers. Some firms participated in the transatlantic slave trade and profited from goods produced through slave labor.

Through objects such as the pith helmet, archives, and artworks, the exhibition “Colonialism: A Swiss Perspective” also sheds light on the ambiguous role of missionaries—wavering between justifying Western superiority through Christianization and valuing local cultures through inculturation—as well as the involvement of the Universities of Zurich and Geneva in providing “scientific” backing for racism. Organized by the DM exchange association, this visit will be followed by a presentation and a critical discussion with experts on the role of missions. Learn more about the decolonization process.