When will the last stage of the exhibition 'A History - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI archive photographs' be held in Airolo?

The exhibition will be held from Monday 16 February to Sunday 22 February 2026.

Can I visit the exhibition with my children?

Yes, access to the exhibition is free for everyone, including families. However, considering the historical and cultural character of the exhibition, it may be more suitable for children over the age of 8, based on their interest in local history and culture.

How do cross-border commuters access the exhibition?

Admission to the exhibition is free and open every day from 09:00 to 20:00 at the Gotthard Dairy in Airolo, without reservation required, even for cross-border commuters who want to learn more about the history of the area.

The history of Ticino on display: the RSI archive in Airolo (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 17 February 2026

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.

Context

TL;DR

RSI exhibition in Airolo
Italian-speaking Switzerland history
Free admission, Feb 16-22
Ticino's social, economic changes

Key facts

Evento: Una Storia - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI's archival photographs
Luogo: Caseificio del Gottardo, Airolo
Data inizio: Monday, February 16, 2026
Data fine: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Orari: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Vernissage: Friday, February 19, 6:30 PM
Ingresso: Free admission

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."

Operational details

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.

Key points

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the last stage of the exhibition 'A History - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI archive photographs' be held in Airolo?: The exhibition will be held from Monday 16 February to Sunday 22 February 2026.
Can I visit the exhibition with my children?: Yes, access to the exhibition is free for everyone, including families. However, considering the historical and cultural character of the exhibition, it may be more suitable for children over the age of 8, based on their interest in local history and culture.
How do cross-border commuters access the exhibition?: Admission to the exhibition is free and open every day from 09:00 to 20:00 at the Gotthard Dairy in Airolo, without reservation required, even for cross-border commuters who want to learn more about the history of the area.