Health is the great promise of our time. We go to great lengths to achieve it. We track and train, consume superfoods and supplements. We trust in the latest research and rely on cutting-edge medicine. With success: we’re living longer than ever before. At the same time, we face pressing questions. How do we cope with illness? How healthy is healthy enough? Who is responsible for health, and who pays the price? An interactive circuit—mood-enhancing, prescription-free, and no referral needed.

(In German only) A shortage of skilled workers, rising premiums, an aging population: Since last year, healthcare and health insurance have been the top concerns for Swiss citizens. What is ailing our healthcare system? Who has suggestions for solving these problems?

In the emergency room, the healthcare system is on the operating table. It’s open-heart surgery; the case is complex, and the risks are high. The visitors work together to care for the patient and make ongoing decisions about what to do.

There is much to be said for viewing illness and health as a continuum rather than as dichotomous states. Every person carries within them both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Nevertheless, the moment a diagnosis is made is often a turning point: the diagnosis divides life into a before and an after; it can mean relief or a stigma. But it is always necessary for access to treatments and health insurance benefits.

Starting with the question of how we know whether we are sick or healthy, six people with different diagnoses and an expert share their experiences with being assigned a diagnosis and how it shapes their lives and their surroundings. The backdrop was the ICD-11 and the question of how diagnoses relate to their time and the evolving techniques of diagnostic methods.

Care and Compassion – What Are They Worth to Us? Studies show that relationships and caring for others improve health and promote the healing process. At the same time, healthcare professionals are seeing their time for conversations and compassionate care steadily reduced: compassion seems too expensive. This section of the exhibition explored the value of compassion and playfully invited visitors to get involved themselves.

How healthy is healthy enough? The healthcare industry lures consumers with grand promises. In addition to topics such as medication, nutrition, and intensive care, the exhibition also explored the concept of longevity—a trend that is particularly divisive. In video portraits, a variety of people shared their very different ideas about what constitutes a healthy and long life.

(In German only) All visitors received a personal journal to guide them through the exhibition. It provides orientation, encourages reflection, and creates space for personal thoughts. Upon leaving, visitors answered the question: «What will you take away from ‘Hauptsache gesund’ to apply to your everyday life?»

What does health mean in our own lives? When do we feel healthy, and when do we feel sick? And what experiences and ideas shape our view of health? In the «Discussion Workshop on the Good Life,» we take the time to reflect on health together.

Mental Health, Body Image, and Self-Care: The topic of health has far-reaching implications for children and adolescents. “Health Above All: An Exhibition with Side Effects” provided students with a space to engage with the topic in a playful way and strengthen their health literacy. The educational materials help teachers incorporate the topic into their lessons in accordance with the curriculum.

(Only in English) The popular conversation cards from «The Main Thing Is to Be Healthy: An Exhibition with Side Effects.» How do you respond to the question “How are you?” What do you do to combat loneliness? What do you need when you’re not feeling well? Twenty questions and conversation starters on mental health.

Hauptsache gesund? 33 Fragen, 111 Antworten. Warum fragen wir: «Wie geht es dir?» Warum steigt die Zahl der psychischen Erkrankungen? Woher weiss ich, was mir guttut? Und woher kommt unser Bedürfnis nach Tipps? Rund um das Thema Gesundheit gibt es unzählige Fragen. Und noch viel mehr Antworten.