Residents of the mountain town of Zermatt, Switzerland are experiencing a new view of their iconic Matterhorn mountain. Light artist Gerry Hofstetter is projecting symbols of hope and solidarity on the 14,692 foot peak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hofstetter has illuminated the mountain with a different image each night since March 24. Last Wednesday, it projected the American flag as a sign of support for the U.S. Other images have included the flags of Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy as well as messages such as #hope and #allofus.
The tourism organization Zermatt Matterhorn wrote a message on its Facebook page to accompany the projected flag: “Our thoughts are with all American people at this unprecedented time. We look forward to meeting again at the foot of the Matterhorn, we are all in this together.”
Zermatt is one of many popular tourist destinations facing economic uncertainty as COVID-19 halts travel. Hofstetter illuminated a message of optimism for the town and potential visitors, writing “Dream now — Travel later” across the mountain.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an international crisis, but it is also an opportunity for international solidarity. Symbols of unity like these Matterhorn projections offer hope and a much needed morale boost during these uncertain times.
