The Swiss Alpine Museum is now called ALPS
The Alpine Museum launched its new name on 2 May 2024 with an «Alpine Flohmi» (Flea market for outdoor clothing and equipment). "Swiss Alpine Museum" remains as an addition.
"The catchy abbreviation ALPS has long been a familiar colloquial term. Establishing it as the main name is associated with an expanded profile: The ALPS is gearing its exhibitions, events and digital formats towards a broader audience. The new name also reflects the museum's growing role as a place where people and organisations that deal with mountains can exchange ideas. It strengthens the platform concept and the focus on social issues.
The co-operation with the NGO Mountain Wilderness Switzerland stands as an example for this orientation. The Alpine conservation organisation is a regular partner of the ALPS and has now held its second-hand market for outdoor clothing at Helvetiaplatz 4 for the first time with 500 visitors. "For Mountain Wilderness, the ALPS has become a firm favourite for successful and varied events," says Ivano Künzli, Alpine Flea Manager, "for example, the successful 'Films for the Mountains' festival has been held here for two years."
Last but not least, the abbreviation ALPS stands for discursive and international social issues – in contrast to the clichéd mountain images that, according to surveys, are sometimes associated with the name "Alpine Museum". Using Greenland as an example, the next main exhibition takes us right into the heart of the dilemmas and contradictions created by areas of tension such as climate change, economic interests, emigration, etc. – as they are increasingly affecting mountain regions in particular (Greenland. Everything will be different, from 25 October 2024).