Top Places in Zurich by Photographer Roger Eberhard
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We love to travel, but it isn’t often that we dwell upon the similarities or differences in the hotel rooms we stay in. Swiss-born photographer Roger Eberhard’s new series “Standard” thus comes as a revelation. “To make ‘Standard,’ I traveled tTop Places in Zurich by Photographer Roger Eberhard
We love to travel, but it isn’t often that we dwell upon the similarities or differences in the hotel rooms we stay in. Swiss-born photographer Roger Eberhard’s new series “Standard” thus comes as a revelation. “To make ‘Standard,’ I traveled to 32 countries across all continents in one year. In each city, I booked a standard room at a Hilton Hotel and photographed it along with the view from the window each time. The two images are presented side by side and work as diptychs creating a typology of rooms which were built following the same pattern all over the world; bedside lamps left and right, armchair and floor lamp, always the same bed linen etc.,” he says.Merely by looking at the rooms, one would never have a clue to their location. “Only by means of the view can one guess in which country one is located but even the views, especially in the big metropolitan cities, are fascinatingly similar at times. The series raises questions about a world that becomes more anonymous through increased standardization and the interchangeability of experiences. Why do we travel to foreign countries and cultures, yet stay at a place that always looks the same? How do standards come about, by whom and how are they set and where does communal life still shimmer through this standardization?” he questions.Blouin ARTINFO asked Eberhard about his favorite places in Zurich, where he resides.What are your recommendations for must-visit places in Zurich and why?I enjoy strolling around the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. It’s a fantastic collection and always brings back beautiful memories from my trips there as a child. Real bijous are the Strauhof, the city’s literary museum, and the Museum Rietberg. Walking along the lake and through the old part of town is of course a must too. What restaurants, bars, and cafes would you recommend in Zurich and why?Dining in Zurich can be quite pricey. So depending on budget, it can either be a Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal) at Kronenhalle with its amazing art collection or something a bit more cozy and easygoing like Bar Basso, Schnupf, Italia or Fischers Fritz. It’s always also a good choice to get a Bratwurst with spicy mustard at Sternen Grill or something healthy at Juicery21. In terms of bars I often go to La Stanza, Kronenhalle Bar, Raygrodski and Dante. The wonderful cafe Schwarzenbach and its store next door should not be left out during a tour through Niederdorf. The Birchermüsli and people watching at the elegant Cafe Sprüngli is always a great experience. Where would you go and what would you do if you had a free morning or afternoon in Zurich?I’d go to the Zoo or hike from Uetliberg to Felsenegg on the Albis and enjoy the great views onto the city and the mountains. Or I might take a trip to Winterthur to visit the Fotomuseum. Where would you head to in Zurich for the best shopping and what would you buy?I am not a big shopper and if I do go, I usually buy books. Never Stop Reading and Kunstgriff are good addresses for that. Some of the stores that I like are Qwstion, Soeder, Fabrikat, No2 and Neumarkt 17. Where would you recommend people stay (hotels etc.) when they visit Zurich?Since my friends always stay with me I am the wrong person to ask. What are the best places to see art in Zurich?An art tour should certainly go through the Löwenbräu Areal. For photography it’s worth checking out Christophe Guye Galerie and visiting the Haus Konstruktiv is a must. What are the best places to see live bands and experience the nightlife in Zurich?There are some great spots (also for live music) in the city like Bar3000, Helsinki, Exil, Gonzo and Seebad Enge. Of course there are also bigger concert venues like Volkshaus and Kaufleuten. Which spots in Zurich would you recommend for perfect travel photographs?To get the most Instagram likes you probably have to climb up the stairs of Grossmünster. What projects are you currently working on/involved in?Before I start my next project I am working on new books for my publishing company b.frank books (bfrankbooks.com) which will be released in autumn. The only thing I know about my next series is that it won’t have anything to do with hotels.“Standard” by Roger Eberhard is on display at GetxoPhoto international image festival, Bilbao, Spain, until 1 October, 2017. Click here to view a slideshow of Zurich. Read more