The Generations House in Bern is holding an exhibition on the subject of inheritance. And shows: We all leave something to the world.
I recently inherited an estate, which triggered an emotional rollercoaster ride. I had underestimated the consequences of an inheritance. Many people feel this way, but few talk about it openly. The exhibition “Help, I’m inheriting!” therefore immediately piqued my interest. Does it manage to break the taboos surrounding inheritance? On a Wednesday afternoon, I curiously immerse myself in the world of inheritance and quickly realize that it’s about much more than just money.
We all inherit
When I enter the exhibition, I inherit a vest that is equipped with the characteristics of another person. During the tour, I too will pin characteristics and things that I have inherited to the vest: my mother’s walk, a house, my reliability, my flair for numbers, my laugh, my love of the mountains and much more. We all leave our mark on the people who go through life with us. The exhibition challenges me to reflect on the values that have shaped my personality. What do I want to pass on to my children? In video portraits, people talk surprisingly openly about inherited illnesses, adoption, inherited traumas, inherited debts – but nobody wants to talk about inherited millions. Money seems to be the untouchable taboo.
What remains of us
In 2020, CHF 95 billion was bequeathed in Switzerland. One percent of heirs receive almost a third of this huge amount. Inheritance is unfair. We cannot choose which family we are born into. But we do have the freedom to decide what we leave to the world. Coming to terms with this is a lifelong process. Whether young or old, a visit to the exhibition “Help, I’m inheriting!” is worthwhile – it is an invitation to think about your own legacy.
The exhibition “Help, I inherit!”
in the Berner Generationenhaus runs until 26.10.2025.
www.begh.ch/erben
Win 2×2 tickets for the exhibition?
Or draw up a will?
