Brave, defiant, self-determined - Nidwalden's path to modernity

Description

Nidwalden repeatedly resisted the pressure to conform exerted by the rest of Switzerland on the mountain canton in the first half of the 19th century. Nidwalden rejected all national constitutions and was even forced to belong by armed force in 1798. Stubborn Nidwaldners? The reality is more complicated. Alongside a considerable amount of will to assert themselves, there was always also a struggle for the privileges of the ruling class.

Backwoods canton Nidwalden? Not at all. The small canton, which was geographically very isolated until better connections to the railway and national road network in 1964, also produced remarkable works thanks to progressive personalities: for example, the first Acheregg Bridge in 1860 or a modern, nationally recognized constitution in 1965. And sometimes the Nidwaldners apparently decided against their own reason: for example in 1954, when they voted for connection to the national road network despite losing municipal autonomy and agricultural land.

The historical permanent exhibition follows such events and offers an overview of the last 750 years in seven "Nidwalden stories".

Highlights

• Historical permanent exhibition in seven "Nidwalden stories"
• Overview of the last 750 years of Nidwalden's history
• Focus on self-assertion and modernization of the canton

General Information

The exhibition at the Nidwalden Museum Salzmagazin in Stans shows the history of the canton of Nidwalden. It highlights the resistance to national adaptations, significant buildings, and the development towards a modern society.

Location

Stansstaderstrasse 23, 6370 Stans, Schweiz

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