The iconic 14,690-foot Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps projected an image of the American flag last week in solidarity with the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Switzerland is sending hope and strength to the United States of America,” the Switzerland Embassy in the U.S. said on social media along with the photo.
American flag image projected on the iconic Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps. (Gerry Hofstetter & Gabriel Perren/Zermatt Matterhorn)
Matterhorn is located in the town of Zermatt, and its official tourism board shared photos of the mountain fearing the flags of the U.S. and other nations affected by the coronavirus crisis.
“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,” said a post by Zermatt Tourism.
The projections are part of a series by artist Gerry Hofstetter, and are showcased on the mountain for two hours each night. Hofstetter’s projection art has been featured on buildings, monuments, mountains and landscapes across the globe for the past two decades.
“The Matterhorn has always been a symbol of Switzerland and a place of strength and stability. Zermatt is convinced: as strong as the Matterhorn, so strong must the society stand together, be anchored and let the storm pass,” Zermatt Tourism said in a statement on March 24.
The projections are intended “to give people a sign of hope and solidarity in this difficult time of the Coronavirus pandemic,” the statement added.
A webcam is also set up at the foot of the mountain to view the projections live each night. You can view it here.
The mountain has also displayed the flags of Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Japan, India, and more.
Sweden and the Netherlands have chosen a courageous approach to the fight against Coronavirus. We keep our fingers crossed that it works out for them and wish them much strength and staying power. We hope to see them again soon. #Zermatt #Matterhorn https://t.co/qFjiKuZNsE pic.twitter.com/yXXX1L7UJg
— Zermatt – Matterhorn (@zermatt_tourism) April 20, 2020
Other than nations’ flags, the mountain has also displayed inspiring and hopeful textual messages, and images paying tribute to medical workers and more.
Matterhorn is located on the border of Switzerland and Italy.
