Culture
Switzerland's cultural scene is very diverse thanks to its federal system, four national languages and wealth of traditions. Culture is supported by the public sector, the lottery fund and private patrons. Thirteen sites in Switzerland are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage catalogue.
The cultural diversity among Switzerland's different regions is a source of inspiration and creativity for artists. Museums are very popular and Switzerland boasts a multitude of internationally renowned art galleries and auctions. In addition to Switzerland's major stages, there is a lively independent and amateur theatre and dance scene. Swiss design is recognised the world over for its timelessness and high quality. Swiss filmmakers produce many award-winning documentaries. In the past, Swiss literature focused mainly on Switzerland itself, while much contemporary writing addresses global themes. Switzerland boasts inspiring architecture and has produced some of the most acclaimed names in the field.
Culture – facts and figures
- There are 1,053 museums in Switzerland, and they attract around 10 million visitors every year. A small minority (5%) of the museums attract more than 50,000 visitors per year. The art and natural history museums are the most popular.
- Two thirds of people in Switzerland attend at least one music performance a year, and 20% play a musical instrument.
- Lausanne's Cantonal and University Library is Switzerland’s largest library, with holdings totalling 8.4 million.
- ‹Heidi›, the story of the orphan girl from the mountains, has been translated into over 50 languages and made into a play, a musical and a ballet. Since 1920, ‹Heidi› has inspired countless film adaptations in the US, Japan (as an anime series) and Europe, most recently in 2015 by director Alain Gsponer. In many places, ‹Heidi› reinforces the cliché of Switzerland as an Alpine paradise, but it also reflects the story of many Swiss emigrants.
- Switzerland has 78 major professional stages, 56 of which are in the French-speaking part of the country. The Swiss Register of Associations also lists some 865 theatre associations and over 330 dance associations.
- The public sector spends around CHF 350 per inhabitant per year on culture, which corresponds to 0.4% of GDP. Cantonal lottery funds support Swiss culture every year to the tune of over CHF 150 million.
- Geneva, Zurich and Basel are Switzerland's major cultural centres and spend the most on culture per inhabitant.
- Thirteen Swiss sites are listed as UNESCO world heritage – nine for their cultural dimension and four for their natural beauty.
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Cultural policy
Most public funding for the arts and culture is provided by the communes and cantons. Cultural policy is the shared responsibility of Pro Helvetia and the Federal Office of Culture.
UNESCO World Heritage
Switzerland's 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites range from medieval to modernist architecture and from vast glacial areas to primeval beech forests.
Cultural creativity in Switzerland
The Swiss culture scene is as diverse as Switzerland's languages, mentalities and landscapes.