Aaron Estermann

Aaron Estermann studied history, media studies and visual communication, and is curator for historical photography at the Swiss National Museum.

A kiosk that moved with the times

Aaron Estermann 04.04.2025 The Locarno kiosk was much more than a small booth for the display and sale of goods. At various times throughout its almost 100-year history it was a newspaper kiosk, an information point for tourists seeking adventure and an internet café. All of which makes it a witness to economic and social change in all its facets.

Detail of the Locarno kiosk: it stood at various locations throughout the city for around 100 years and is now part of the Swiss National Museum’s collection.

Come on in and look around the homes of our Federal Councillors!

Aaron Estermann 13.05.2021 For decades, home stories from the living rooms of the nation’s Federal Councillors have been popular reading material for Mr and Mrs Swiss. A look at the sofas of the past.

The winemaker Paul Chaudet was elected to the Federal Council in 1954. A visit to the vineyard was a must for his home story.

Intimacy of terror

Aaron Estermann 18.02.2021 In February 1969, an attacker was shot dead at Kloten Airport. In the thick of the action were the press photographers, who documented the event up close and in vivid detail.

Spare weapons carried by the terrorists in the borrowed VW Beetle.

The one and only Unus

Aaron Estermann 18.09.2020 In 1947, the artiste Unus balanced on Switzerland’s tallest skyscraper, in Lausanne. His feat was witnessed by scores of press photographers, and even more spectators.

In autumn 1947, the artiste Unus drew thousands of onlookers on to the streets of Lausanne.

Of photographers and hairdressers

Aaron Estermann 29.04.2020 The Swiss hairdressing championships of 1946 were to be a special occasion, as the first national competition since the war.

Protected moorland instead of military training ground

Aaron Estermann 08.04.2020 In the 1980s, there was a pitched battle in Rothenthurm to save an area of moorland. This ultimately resulted in the adoption of a constitutional article on nature preservation.

Masterstroke on the Matterhorn

Aaron Estermann 26.02.2020 In 1965, mountain climber Walter Bonatti conquered the north face of the Matterhorn. In winter, and solo. A gift for the press photographers.

100 years!

Aaron Estermann 08.01.2020 A 100th birthday used to be a big deal, and the press wanted to be part of it as well. Heart-warming articles were written about the lives of ordinary people.