The history of Ticino on display: the RSI archive in Airolo
RSI presents "Una Storia," a free photo exhibition in Airolo from February 16-22, 2026. A journey through images from the '60s to the 2000s to understand the Canton.
Contesto
A unique opportunity for those who live and work in Ticino to immerse themselves in the Canton's recent history. RSI, the Swiss public broadcaster, invites the public to visit the final stop of its traveling exhibition "Una Storia - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI's archival photographs." The exhibition, which has toured various locations in the region, reaches its concluding chapter in Airolo, at the charming Caseificio del Gottardo. The event is scheduled from Monday, February 16, to Sunday, February 22, 2026. The initiative offers a visual journey through decades of social, economic, and cultural transformations. The images, sourced from RSI's vast archives, were taken during broadcasts, events, and reports that have defined the identity of Italian-speaking Switzerland. For cross-border workers (frontalieri), who cross the border every day for work, this exhibition represents a valuable opportunity. It's not just about seeing old photographs, but about understanding the roots of the territory that welcomes them, observing how the landscape, work, and people's lives have changed from the 1960s to the 2000s. As the organizers emphasize, these images tell the story of "a territory that changes over time while remaining itself."
Dettagli operativi
Event details and significance for cross-border workers Admission to the exhibition is completely free, an additional incentive to dedicate time to the cultural discovery of the Canton. The sixth and final stop will be held, as mentioned, at the Caseificio del Gottardo in Airolo (Via Fontana, 3) and will be open daily, from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A highlight will be the vernissage, open to the public, which will take place on Friday, February 19, at 6:30 PM. To attend this opening event, booking through the official RSI website is recommended. > The exhibition is an invitation to look beyond the routine of the home-to-work commute. For a cross-border worker, knowing the history of Ticino means being able to better interpret the current work context, social dynamics, and local traditions. Seeing images of an evolving economy, emerging infrastructures, and transforming communities can provide a deeper perspective on one's own role within this economic and social fabric. It is a way to feel less like a guest and more an integral part of a shared history, which continues to be written also with the contribution of those who, every day, choose to work in this Canton.
Punti chiave
A bridge between past and present This cultural initiative by RSI is not just a nostalgic exercise, but a genuine tool for knowledge. Understanding Ticino's evolution in recent decades helps to contextualize today's challenges and opportunities, including those that directly affect the cross-border labor market. The photographs on display are windows into a past that has shaped the present—a present in which the relationship between Ticino and Lombardy is closer than ever. 💡 Practical tip: - When to go: The long opening hours (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM) allow for a visit even after work for those who don't live too far from Airolo, or during the weekend. - Why visit: To enrich your experience in Switzerland by going beyond purely professional and financial aspects. The historical evolution of the Canton has gone hand in hand with its economic development. Just as the images tell the story of a changing Ticino, your financial situation as a cross-border worker is also subject to constant variables, from the franc-euro exchange rate to new tax regulations. To get a clear and up-to-date picture of your economic potential, we invite you to use our net salary calculator, an indispensable tool for navigating Ticino's current economic landscape with confidence. Source: Tio.ch, 18.02.2026