Anthropology Led Exhibition on Birth inspires local and national press attention

13 hours ago

3 min read

The exhibition ‘GEBOREN WERDEN’ resonates, provokes deep thought, and moves the visitor. […] [It] not only conveys a wealth of knowledge and information, but also provides a space for connection. Ursula Koch-Egli, Anzeiger Michelsamt, 15. Oktober 2026.

Geboren Werden (Being Born) is receiving considerable local, Cantonal and national media attention. Geboren Werden is the first exhibition organised by the transFORMATiv Verein, led by anthropologists Laura Stoffel, Selina Pfeiffer and Mike Poltorak. There are five more days to visit before the exhibition closes on the 29th November.

Geburt ist ein biologischer Vorgang, aber auch eine kulturelle Praxis. […] Sie soll selbstbestimmt sein, aber selbst, wie laut Frauen schreien, ist eigentlich eine gesellschaftliche Frage.

Childbirth is a biological process, but it is also a cultural practice. […] It should be a self-determined process. How loud women scream is actually a social issue. Rafaela Roth, NZZ am Sonntag Magazin, 1. November 2026, S. 4.

The Dolderhaus brings the experience of childbirth to life. Reto Bieri, Luzerner und Aargauer Zeitung, 6. Oktober 2026.

Anzieger Michelsamt (8.10) described the visceral elements of the exhibition.

A glowing pink plastic placenta in the stairwell, light-drenched swaths of fabric featuring lifelike images of women in labor, a pot of steaming postpartum soup: The exhibition evokes memories of experiences and offers a glimpse into those not yet lived.

Anzeiger Michelsamt's report on the exhibition opening shared visitor reflections

“I regret not looking at my placenta,” said one visitor to her friend, who was apparently reminded of her own experience by the large-format photographs.

The exhibition “BEING BORN” resonates, provokes deep reflection, and moves the visitor.

The approximately 500 visitors so far have included multi-generational groups, young people, couples and even midwives bringing their clients. The final two weeks of the exhibition will include dedicated visits for SEC 1 and SEC 2 school classes.

On Saturday the 7th of November in the Beromünster Abbey Theater the 28th Münsterer Tagung (Conference) 'The Beginnings of Life

Birth in a World of Change' brought together the local community, midwives and researchers. It concluded with an interactive workshop format that facilitated the linking of international examples of birth challenges and birth rates to attendees experience and knowledge.

A Secure Start: How the Midwifery School in South Sudan is Changing Lives-Dorina Waldmeyer

On the Path to New Life- A Midwife Between Different Worlds- Regula Bühler in conversation with Laura Stoffel

A Childless Generation? Insights into Changing Family Structures, Gender Roles, and Romantic Relationships in Switzerland and Singapore- Lynn Kohli

Childbirth and Us?

A workshop exploring the various facets of childbirth, led by transFORMATiv, Mike Poltorak, and Laura Stoffel

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Geboren Werden is the first collaborative and anthropology led exhibition curated outside of a Swiss University museum since Heinz Nigg’s 1999 migration exhibition “Here and Away’’ in the Design Museum in Zürich.

Please let us know if we have missed any others!

The project was supported by a broad-based network, including several midwifery associations. A crowdfunding campaign was also successfully carried out, attracting over 120 supporters. A dedicated online community has emerged with currently almost 600 followers on Instagram—a sign of just how much the topic of childbirth is perceived as a socially relevant issue.

The extensive support from more than twenty foundations, companies, birth houses and the University of Zurich testifies to the scientific, public engagement and policy relevance of the exhibition.

The University of Zürich unit Human Reproduction Reloaded (H2R) created and contributed content and financial support. Researcher collaborations included Molly Fitzpatrick (University of Zürich), Sophie Fäs (University of Basel), Jonathan Dominguez Hernandez (ZHAW) and Lynn Kohli ( University of Zürich).

There are six more opportunities to visit the exhibition.

SA, 14. November, 13.30–17

SU, 15. November, 11–17

SA, 21. November, 13.30–17

SU, 22. November, 11–17

SA, 28. November, 13.30–17

SU, 29. November, 11–17 (including a PERFORMANCE at 17:30 at TAB in Reinach)

Please join us for the closing event Finissage

29. November 2026, 17:30 UhrTaB*, ReinachTickets: www.tab.ch

The exhibition is open from 11-17pm.

For more information:

https://transformativ.org/geborenwerden/