Rsi Exhibition Ticino History Cross Border | Frontaliere Ticino
Rsi Exhibition Ticino History Cross Border — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
The Italian-speaking Swiss Radio and Television (RSI) is opening its archives to showcase the Canton's collective memory. The initiative, titled 'Una Storia - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI archive photographs', is a traveling exhibition that traces forty years of transformations, from the 1960s to 2000, through iconic shots. For those who cross the border every day to work in Lugano, Mendrisio, or Bellinzona, this is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a territory that is not just a workplace, but a community with its own distinct evolution. The exhibition stops in various locations, and the next one is particularly evocative. The sixth and final stop will be in Leventina, at the Caseificio del Gottardo in Airolo. A symbolic place that combines tradition and modernity, just like the images on display. ## Event Details in Airolo - Where: Caseificio del Gottardo, Via Fontana 3, 6780, Airolo - When: From Monday, February 16th to Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 - Hours: Every day from 09:00 to 20:00 - Cost: Admission to the exhibition is completely free. - Opening Event (Vernissage): It will be held on Friday, February 19th at 18:30. Attendance is open to everyone, but booking is recommended via the RSI website. As RSI itself reports, these images "tell the story of a territory that changes over time while remaining itself." A visual narrative that speaks of economy, society, and customs, and offers food for thought on the history of cross-border work, an integral part of this change.
Operational details
Looking at these photographs is not just an exercise in nostalgia. For a cross-border worker, it means observing the roots of Ticino's current economic fabric. The images from the '60s and '70s document the construction and industrial boom, a period when Italian labor was crucial for the Canton's growth. One can almost see the foundations of the companies and infrastructures that today employ tens of thousands of people from Lombardy and Piedmont. ## Beyond Photography: Economic Evolution The shots from the '80s and '90s tell a different story: the transition to the advanced service sector, the growth of Lugano's financial center, and the development of the service industry. This shift profoundly changed the skills required and the type of work available, leading to the emergence of new professions and opportunities. > The exhibition offers a historical perspective on the evolution of the Ticino labor market, an essential context for anyone working in this Canton today. Understanding the transition from a production-based economy to a service-based one helps interpret current dynamics and future challenges. 📊 Ticino in Transformation (1960-2000): - 1960s-70s: Strong industrial and infrastructural growth. Increased demand for skilled and unskilled labor. - 1980s: Opening of the Gotthard road tunnel (1980), consolidation of the banking and fiduciary sector. - 1990s-2000s: Service sector boom, development of technology hubs, and establishment of Ticino as a hub for fashion and pharmaceuticals.
Key points
Visiting this exhibition is not just a cultural activity for the weekend, but an investment in understanding your work environment. Understanding the social and economic history of Ticino allows for better dialogue with colleagues and employers, interpreting local news, and feeling more a part of a community that extends beyond the company gates. ## Practical Tips for Your Visit 💡 Plan your trip: Leventina offers magnificent landscapes. A visit to the exhibition at the Caseificio del Gottardo can be combined with a tasting of typical products or a nature walk. 💡 Take advantage of the opening event: The event on February 19th is an excellent opportunity for networking in an informal setting and hearing the story behind the images directly from the curators. ⚠️ Don't forget to book: Although admission is free, for the opening event, it is highly recommended to register on the rsi.ch/eventi website to secure a spot. The RSI photographs show an economy in full evolution, with salaries and purchasing power following complex paths over the decades. Today, understanding your own value in the Ticino job market is just as crucial for successfully navigating your career as a cross-border worker. Before planning your cultural outing, why not clarify your financial situation? Use our net salary calculator to get a clear picture of what you're entitled to, considering deductions, withholding taxes, and the franc-euro exchange rate. (Source: Tio.ch, 18.02.2026)