RSI, a history: Ticino tells its story in 60 years of photos
The free traveling exhibition "Una Storia" stops in Airolo from February 16 to 22, 2026, featuring RSI archive images that narrate the evolution of Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Contesto
A visual journey into the heart and soul of Italian-speaking Switzerland. RSI is opening its archives to tell, through iconic shots, the evolution of a territory that, despite changing, has managed to maintain its identity. The traveling exhibition "Una Storia - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI's archive photographs" reaches its sixth and final stop, choosing a symbolic location: the Caseificio del Gottardo in Airolo. For one week, from Monday, February 16 to Sunday, February 22, 2026, visitors and cross-border workers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves for free in decades of local history, from the 1960s to the 2000s. The displayed images come from countless encounters between the public broadcaster and the local people: reports, events, broadcasts, and concerts that defined an era. As the event presentation states, these photographs "tell the story of a territory that changes over time while remaining itself." The exhibition will be open daily, following the Caseificio's opening hours, from 09:00 to 20:00. A highlight will be the vernissage, open to all, on Friday, February 19 at 18:30, for which reservations are recommended. It is a unique opportunity for those who cross the border every day to work in Ticino to better understand the cultural and social roots of the region that welcomes them.
Dettagli operativi
For a cross-border worker, understanding the context in which they operate is a fundamental step towards true integration, which goes beyond a simple working relationship. This exhibition offers precisely this key. The photographs, covering a period of almost half a century, are not just postcards but social documents that bear witness to the economic transformations, challenges, and successes of Canton Ticino. This period saw the intensification of cross-border labor flows, the industrial growth of districts like Mendrisio, and the development of infrastructure that thousands of workers now travel daily, such as the A2 motorway. The choice of Airolo and the Caseificio del Gottardo is not accidental. Located at the foot of one of Europe's most important mountain passes, this place represents Ticino's link with the rest of Switzerland and with Italy, a meeting and transit point. Visiting this exhibition therefore means not only appreciating a cultural event but also grasping the nuances of a community that has built its own unique identity, distinct from but in dialogue with neighboring Lombardy. For those coming from Varese, Como, or Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, it is an opportunity to see the places and people they interact with every day through different eyes, recognizing the roots of a prosperity they are now part of.
Punti chiave
The event is an excellent opportunity for a weekend trip, combining culture and local gastronomy. The Leventina valley offers picturesque landscapes, and a visit to the Caseificio allows you to discover the region's outstanding products. It is a way to experience Ticino not just as a workplace, but as a territory rich in history and opportunity. ## Practical Information - Event: Exhibition "Una Storia - Italian-speaking Switzerland in RSI's archive photographs" - Location: Caseificio del Gottardo, Via Fontana 3, 6780 Airolo - Dates: From Monday, February 16 to Sunday, February 22, 2026 - Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 20:00 - Admission: Free - Vernissage: Friday, February 19, at 18:30 (reservations recommended) 💡 Tip: To attend the vernissage, it is advisable to check the rsi.ch/eventi website for booking details. Deepening one's understanding of the culture of the territory where one works is as important as having a clear grasp of the economic aspects of one's employment. Learning about Ticino's history enriches the professional experience, while proper financial planning ensures peace of mind. For this reason, it is useful to have precise tools to best manage your salary. You can use our calculator to get a clear idea of your net monthly salary in Ticino, starting from your gross pay and considering all Swiss deductions. (Source: Tio.ch, 02/19/2026)