The permanent exhibition on the historical heritage of Château de Prangins is revamping its image, with a boldly contemporary and unselfconscious poster designed to attract new audiences. While remaining faithful to its content and spirit, the exhibition is now enhanced by an exceptional object: a rare, 18^th-century tureen. Visitors are invited to discover – or rediscover – the exhibition at a special free open day on 2 March.

Opened in March 2013, Noblesse Oblige! Life at a Château in the 18^th Century is the centrepiece of the presentation at Prangins, which has been home to the Swiss National Museum in French-speaking Switzerland since 1998. It features a number of former reception rooms that have been returned to their former splendour amidst a décor that invites visitors to take a fascinating journey back into the daily life of the Guiguer family, who built the property and lived there for four successive generations during the Enlightenment, overseeing an extensive agricultural estate.

Twelve years on from its inauguration, the exhibition remains as relevant and historically interesting as ever, but is now looking to appeal to new audiences. The communication campaign, created by L’ADMP (Nyon) and Clay Studio in collaboration with photographer Nicolas Coulomb, plays with the contrast between past and present and draws on the evocative, even iconoclastic power of fashion photography offers a new perspective on the boiseries in their original colours, textiles with lustrous motifs and false marble that serve as the backdrop for some 600 period objects.

In addition, the exhibition now boasts an exceptionally rare new item: a silver tureen dating from the 18^th century that belonged to the Ployard family, friends and relatives of the Guiguers who had settled in Geneva. Used to serve stew, it was acquired by the Swiss National Museum in 2021 and now takes pride of place in the large dining room on the ground floor. An ad-hoc presentation in three languages details its history and value.

Finally, expanding the museum’s cultural education activities, a visitor guide in easy-to-read French is now available, along with a new, fun and informative quiz game for families to explore the exhibition.

A special open day on 2 March will mark the launch of the new image for Noblesse Oblige!, the tureen display and the new educational resources.