Roots begin by asking where we stand before asking where we are going.
Who are we? Stuck vs. grounded.
What grounds us?
Before we can grow, move or preserve, we must first ask what grounds us. Is it the land beneath our feet, our memories, our communities, our histories, or the places we call home?
This chapter explores the psychological and cultural foundations of being human — through ecology, trauma, identity, memory and place — asking what shapes us and what gives us belonging in an increasingly fluid, fast-moving world.
The programme explores
- Our relationship with the natural world
- The balance between stability, stagnation and grounding
- Identity and collective memory
- Ownership and belonging in cities
- The cultural histories we inherit and reinvent
Our roots
The Landesmuseum.
We host the event at the Landesmuseum, a place where personal and collective histories intersect. It asks us to consider not only the history of Switzerland, but the histories we all carry: cultural, familial, ecological and psychological.
The Roots programme explores what grounds us and how our identities form long before we begin to move through the world. The Landesmuseum becomes a place to ask where we begin before asking where we are going — it is situated at the intersection of Zurich's past and present.
Closing thought, into Chapter 2: what grounds us before we begin to move through the world?
Our speakers will ask
- 01
What grounds us within the natural world?
Natural world
- 02
What remains when our sense of home is disrupted?
Stability & grounding
- 03
Who gets to belong to a place?
Belonging in cities
- 04
What happens when we reinvent our cultural roots?
Cultural reinvention
Practical information.
- Venue
- Landesmuseum Zürich
- Language
- English
- Date & time
- 4 November 2026 · 18:00-22:00
- Accessibility
- See below
- Getting here
- Details follow closer to the date
- Programme
- Coming soon
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Good to know
Frequently asked questions.
When and where is the event taking place?
ROOTS will take place on 4 November 2026 at the Landesmuseum Zürich, conveniently located next to Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 30min before to complete check-in, leave your coat and find your seat before the programme begins. Doors and exact programme timings will start at 18:00.
How do I get to the venue?
We strongly recommend arriving by public transport. The Landesmuseum Zürich is located directly next to Zürich Hauptbahnhof and is easily accessible by train, tram and bus.
TEDxZurich signage will help guide you towards the event entrance.
Which entrance should I use?
Please follow the TEDxZurich signage upon arrival at the museum. The event entrance may differ from the museum's regular visitor entrance.
What do I need for check-in?
Please have the QR code on your ticket ready on your phone when you arrive. Our team will scan it at the entrance.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, guests will be able to leave coats and jackets upon arrival. Please avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary belongings where possible.
Is seating assigned?
No. Seating in the auditorium is free seating and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What can I expect from ROOTS?
ROOTS is the first chapter of the TEDxZurich 2026/27 season. Through a series of talks and audience moments, the evening will explore ideas around belonging, identity, culture, place and the experiences that shape who we are.
The talks will be followed by an aperitif and an opportunity to continue the conversation with fellow guests and speakers.
Will there be food and drinks?
Following the talks, guests are invited to an aperitif with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and light canapés.
Can I meet the speakers?
Speakers will join the wider audience during the aperitif where possible. There is no formal meet-and-greet, but the reception is designed to encourage conversation and connection.
I'm attending alone. Will there be opportunities to meet people?
Absolutely. The aperitif is designed as a welcoming networking environment, and an optional TEDxZurich guided group conversation will be available for anyone who would like an easy way to meet and connect with other guests.
What should I wear?
There is no formal dress code. We recommend smart casual, come as you feel comfortable.
Is the event accessible?
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the TEDxZurich experience. The venue offers accessible routes and facilities. See the Accessibility section below for details.
If you have any specific accessibility requirements or require additional assistance, please contact us in advance at events@tedxzurich.com.
Can I take photos or videos during the talks?
This event will be photographed and filmed. By attending, you agree to appear on photos or videos and to TEDxZurich using this material for editorial, promotional, and archival purposes, across any media. Participants may take photographs for personal and non-commercial use, provided this does not disturb the Event, obstruct others or infringe the rights of speakers, performers or attendees. Professional recording, livestreaming or reproduction of talks is not permitted without prior written approval.
What language will the talks be?
The programme will be held in English.
Can I leave and re-enter during the event?
To avoid disrupting the talks and audience experience, we recommend remaining in the auditorium throughout the programme. If you need to leave, please follow the guidance of the TEDxZurich team.
What if I can no longer attend?
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person.
Who should I contact if I have another question?
For any questions regarding your visit, ticket or accessibility requirements, please contact events@tedxzurich.com.
Accessibility
Getting in and getting around.
Accessibility information will be made available soon. For any questions consult events@tedxzurich.com