Denise Tonella, the director of the Swiss National Museum, emphasized the importance of addressing Switzerland's colonial ties: "It's not easy to tackle an unflattering topic, but it's an important issue for today's society." She highlighted how societal movements have propelled discussions on colonialism and its implications, particularly in light of increased global awareness following the Black Lives Matter movement.
Tonella remarked on the significance of the exhibition, stating, "Since the Black Lives Matter movement, there has been a lot of debate about colonialism and Switzerland." The exhibition aims to deepen understanding of colonial legacies and educate the public about these complex historical narratives.
The exhibition showcases artifacts like an 18th-century cotton cloth used as currency for procuring enslaved individuals, highlighting the involvement of less recognized powers like Switzerland in colonial practices alongside bigger European powers.
Following the protests ignited by George Floyd's death, Tonella referenced local controversies, including the renaming of streets and actions against statues with colonial ties, stating, "A compromise was reached... the local authorities opted for an explanation plaque to accompany the statue of David de Pury."
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