Modelling Swiss history

Castles, churches, buildings, Swissair planes, railways, Rhine ships and paddle steamers have been assembled ten thousand times. Over 22 million landmarks and vehicles have been thus created from 1919 to 2019. This impressive total shows that modelling is a part of Switzerland’s cultural heritage.

The most popular construction site has always been the classroom. I have sweet memories of ordering the "Modelbögen" at school in the 1970s!

There is a reason why the words “modelling” and “school” go together. The pioneers of Swiss modelling adopted a distinctly educational approach according to the writings of Edwin Morf, one of the founding fathers of Swiss modelling, in 1933: “When the evenings draw in, anyone who has children to look after asks themselves the following question: how can we keep the young ones entertained in a constructive way, especially the boys with all their energy?” Morf came to the conclusion that reading was not enough: “Young people also learn by using their hands and working with tools.”

Although only a few thousand models per year were sold initially, sales climbed to over 400,000 a year on average between 1975 and 2015. This golden age was mainly due to the educational consensus that modelling brought lasting educational benefits. However, many teachers now see less scope for incorporating 3D cardboard modelling in today’s rapidly changing curriculum. That also means: the future of this cultural pastime is uncertain as sales are falling.

Step into the past and share the experience with your little ones: modellbogen.

Typical Farmhouse from Canton Zürich