Swiss design classics on display in Liangjiang

Curated to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China, the Swiss Design Classics exhibition is now on display at the Sino-Swiss Techno Park in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.                                        

Swiss Design Classics are on display at the Sino-Swiss Techno Park in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. [Photo by Guo Shuyu]

The exhibition features 75 iconic pieces that trace the evolution of Swiss craftsmanship and design, along with a collection of travel and tourism posters that showcase Switzerland's approach to visual communication. The exhibition will run until Nov 30. 

The 20 Swiss Stools section encapsulates the rich 400-year history of Swiss design through stools. From an 18th century milking stool exemplifying the craftsmanship and practicality of rural life, to the Ulm stool from the 19th century that embodies a design philosophy of simplicity, functionality, and timeless beauty, to the Soft Spring Stool created in 2024 from recycled 3D-printing materials, the display illustrates how Swiss design merges functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic refinement. 

More than 30 iconic tourism posters on display offer an insight into Swiss graphic design. With Emil Cardinaux's renowned poster of the dawn-drenched Matterhorn as an example, the selection reveals how Swiss posters become globally iconic with the use of colour lithography and bold graphic elements.

Swiss posters are globally iconic for their use of colour lithography and bold graphic elements. [Photo by Guo Shuyu] 

The exhibition also showcases 24 pioneering Swiss innovations across everyday life from food and beverages to healthcare and engineering, including sparkling water, instant coffee, Voltaren, aluminum foil, and artificial hip joints.

The Swiss Design Classics offers a window into the essence of Swiss design and innovation, which are characterized by technical precision, thoughtful creativity, and a deep connection to everyday life. Visitors are invited to discover the impact Switzerland has had on the world, as its influence continues to shape both functional objects and broader global narratives in both design and innovation, according to Christian Herren, curator of the exhibition.