Born into poverty
Overview
Intro
Even in the pre-industrial era, children made a vital contribution to the family economy, whether in the home, on the land or in cottage industries.
Even in the pre-industrial era, children made a vital contribution to the family economy, whether in the home, on the land or in cottage industries. With the advent of industrialisation, children – particularly those from poor families – were exploited in textile factories as cheap labour. They worked long hours, performed dangerous or hazardous tasks, and were often unable to attend school. From the 1830s, the cantons gradually introduced compulsory education. In 1877, the Federal Factory Act banned children under 14 from working. Nevertheless, children were still kept busy, whether in the home or in agriculture. The exhibition looks at how children in forced foster care and institutions were forcibly taken from their families and made to work. It also highlights those who campaigned for children’s education and protection and considers the topic from a modern-day perspective.
Image (detail): Fetching fresh water from a spring, Unteriberg Schwyz, 1947 © Theo Frey / Fotostiftung Schweiz
| Provider | |
|---|---|
| Contact address |
Landesmuseum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2 8001 Zürich +41 44 218 65 11 info@nationalmuseum.ch +41 44 218 65 09 |
| Location |
Landesmuseum Zürich Landesmuseum Zürich Museumstrasse 2 8021 Zürich Switzerland |
| Event Homepage | http://www.nationalmuseum.ch |
| Opening hours |
16.04.2026: ganzer Tag, 03.04.2026: 10:00–17:00, 04.04.2026: 10:00–17:00, 05.04.2026: 10:00–17:00, 06.04.2026: 10:00–17:00, 20.04.2026: ganzer Tag
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The content presented here is provided and updated by regional/local tourist offices or event organisers, which is why Switzerland Tourism is unable to guarantee the correctness of the contents.
Event dates
- 16 April 2026
- 17 April 2026
- 18 April 2026
- 19 April 2026
Discover the surroundings
Landesmuseum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2
8001
Zürich
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)44 218 65 11
Fax +41 (0)44 218 65 09
info@nationalmuseum.ch
landesmuseum.ch