The CURTA – made in Liechtenstein How an inventor’s bright idea became an industrial product made in Liechtenstein.
The CURTA was the world’s smallest mechanical calculator to be built in big numbers. It was patented in 1938 by Curt Herzstark from Vienna. Development was interrupted by the Second World War. Curt Herzstark was held in the Buchenwald concentration camp, where he drew plans for the calculating machine in his spare time. After the end of the war Prince Franz Josef II became aware of the invention and founded the calculating machine company Contina AG. Curt Herzstark set up production despite the challenges of the post-war climate, including a lack of skilled workers and difficult economic conditions in Liechtenstein. This exhibition brings together for the first time originals of all the various models developed over the years. It also showcases the economic backdrop, the development of manufacturing and the life of the inventor himself using unique exhibits, photos, films and documents.