125 Years Roche in Basel

24 September 2021

The two Roche towers in Basel not only equal the two church towers of the Basler Münster ir cathedral. Like the two church towers, the Roche towers are not of equal height. Only the towers of the Münster have been there a bit longer.

However, this fact does not detract from the prominent presence of the pharmaceutical multinational. Roche was founded 125 years ago, in 1896, and has become the largest pharmaceutical company in the world.

The company’s website and (international) media provide extensive information about the firm and its history. Roche and Basel have a close relationship. The company has always generously supported the city. The Tinguely Museum and numerous other projects confirm the special relationship.

Roche also celebrates its 125th anniversary with the city of Basel. The Zoological Garden (Zoologischer Garten) receives CHF 20 million for extensions and renovations. From 28 September, one of the towers presents a light show of drawings and pictures showing the city and its inhabitants. For four days, the Roche Tower will be the shining centre of the town.

On 13 October, the art project “The Cost of Life” starts in the Pharmaceutical Museum and the Tinguely Museum. The artist Paddy Hartley will address the tension between life and medical progress, gen technology and the role of technology in life in general.

The App ARTour shows works of art throughout the city. Many artists created works for this event. The Augmented-Reality-Technology (ART) will visualise them.

(Source: www.roche.com, www.pharmaziemuseum.ch).