A Global Journey of Spices: From Vietnam to Zurich
The University of Zurich (UZH) is bringing Vietnam’s spice-growing highlands to Switzerland'. Through its latest exhibition "Symphởny of Spices – Vietnamese Roots, Global Routes" at the Ethnographic Museum, UZH showcases how cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom travel from local farms to global kitchens, highlighting research, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.
From Vietnam’s Fields to Zurich’s Museum
From 29 August 2025 to 13 September 2026, the Ethnographic Museum’s exhibition “Symphởny of Spices – Vietnamese Roots, Global Routes” traces the journeys of spices cultivated in northern Vietnam and highlights their cultural, economic, and social significance. Visitors can see how these locally rooted products connect to global trade and everyday life. By embedding UZH research into the exhibition, the museum demonstrates how academic knowledge resonates beyond the university.
The project Spice Chains in Upland Vietnam, led by Prof. Dr. Annuska Derks from UZH’s Department of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, forms the backbone of the exhibition. Conducted in collaboration with Vietnam’s University of Social Sciences and Humanities and McGill University in Canada, and supported by PhD candidate Nguyễn Hà Phương, the project followed spices from farmers’ fields through regional and global markets. “The story of these spices shows us how global connections are constantly created and re-created in everyday practices by farmers, traders, consumers, and researchers alike,” explains Derks, lead curator of the exhibition.
A Vernissage of Firsts
The exhibition marks the first under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Alice Hertzog, who took on the role of Director of the Ethnographic Museum in August 2025. “Symphởny of Spices shows how local practices in Vietnam are closely linked to global consumer habits,” said Hertzog at the vernissage. “As a museum, our role is to make these entanglements visible and tangible to the public.”
The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Vietnam in Switzerland. Deputy Head of Mission Chu Thu Hằng conveyed greetings on behalf of Ambassador Pham Hai Bang, underlining the importance of cultural initiatives in complementing diplomatic and academic relations between Vietnam and Switzerland.
UZH as Leading House Asia Pacific
The exhibition also reflects UZH’s broader strategic role in fostering international ties. Since 2025, UZH has held the mandate of Leading House Asia Pacific, awarded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). This role enables UZH to support Swiss researchers in building partnerships with 16 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, and Australia. Through this mandate, UZH acts as a bridge between Switzerland and one of the world’s most dynamic regions, fostering collaboration in science, education, and innovation.
By linking academic research with cultural exchange and international cooperation, UZH demonstrates how universities can contribute to global understanding and engagement. The Symphởny of Spices exhibition offers a tangible example of this mission, connecting local knowledge with global impact and strengthening Switzerland’s ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic regions.
Strengthening Global Understanding
Symphởny of Spices transforms academic research into an engaging public experience, linking Vietnamese expertise with global conversations about trade, culture, and sustainability. It demonstrates UZH’s ability to translate knowledge into tangible international impact.
The exhibition is more than a cultural event: it exemplifies how research can cultivate understanding, respect, and collaboration across borders. By highlighting concrete contributions from UZH researchers and making their work accessible, the museum bridges local knowledge and global influence.
Thurka Sinnathurai
