Archives De La Construction Moderne (Epfl)

Archives de la Construction Moderne EPFL: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide in Canton Vaud, Switzerland

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Archives de la Construction Moderne (ACM) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Canton Vaud, Switzerland, stands as a vital institution dedicated to the preservation, study, and public engagement of modern architecture and construction heritage. Housing a vast array of architectural drawings, photographs, manuscripts, models, and project dossiers, the ACM offers a comprehensive window into the evolution of Swiss and international modern architecture from the late 19th century to today. Situated on the dynamic EPFL campus, the ACM is both a research hub and a cultural destination, providing free access to its collections for researchers, students, and the public, and featuring a growing suite of digital resources through the MorphéPlus platform (ACM official site, EPFL ACM).

This guide details everything you need to plan your visit—covering visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, collections highlights, exhibitions, digital access, nearby attractions, and frequently asked questions—ensuring you have a seamless and enriching experience at one of Lausanne’s premier historical sites (Lausanne Tourisme).

Introduction
Cultural Significance of ACM
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Practical Visitor Information and Accessibility
Collections Overview
Exhibitions and Public Engagement
Visitor Experience
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Digital Resources and Remote Access
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Cultural Significance of the Archives de la Construction Moderne

The ACM is a cornerstone for understanding the development of modern architecture in Switzerland and beyond. Its holdings document the creative, technical, and social processes that have shaped the built environment, with over 200 archival fonds from architects, engineers, and construction firms. The collections present not only blueprints and technical drawings, but also photographic archives, correspondence, models, and personal records—offering a holistic perspective on architectural innovation and cultural history.

The ACM’s role extends beyond preservation; it is a living resource for education, public engagement, and research, supporting EPFL’s teaching mission and collaborating with cultural organizations for exhibitions and events.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Location: SG Building, EPFL campus (EPFL-ENAC-IA-AcmSG 3312, Station 15, 1015 Lausanne), Canton Vaud, Switzerland (EPFL ACM)
Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–17:00. Visits are by appointment only and must be requested at least one week in advance.
Admission: Free of charge for research and consultation. Some special exhibitions or guided tours may require advance registration or tickets.
How to Book: Email [email protected] with your visit purpose and completed request form (Booking information).
Group Visits and Events: Educational groups and guided tours are welcome; prior coordination and registration are required.

Practical Visitor Information and Accessibility

Access: The EPFL campus is accessible via Lausanne Metro Line M1 (EPFL stop). The SG building is a short walk from public transport.
Parking: Paid parking is available on campus but is limited during academic sessions. Public transport is recommended.
Accessibility: The SG building is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Notify staff when booking if you have specific accessibility needs.
Facilities: The campus features dining options, cafés, green spaces, and public art. Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
Languages: The primary working languages are French and English; multilingual assistance is available.

Collections Overview

The ACM’s holdings span from ca. 1850 to the present, with over 120 fonds including:

Architectural Drawings and Plans: Detailed blueprints, sketches, and technical documentation from renowned architects and firms.
Photographic Archives: Notably, the digitized Henri Germond collection, offering visual records of Swiss construction over 40 years.
Models and Maquettes: Hundreds of scale models illustrating key projects and design concepts.
Manuscripts and Correspondence: Personal papers, diaries, and professional correspondence revealing project histories.
Printed Materials: Rare books, avant-garde periodicals, and business records.
Business and Project Records: Documentation from construction companies, professional associations, and competitions.

Highlights include the fonds of Heidi and Peter Wenger, Alberto Sartoris, Roland Gay, and records from major Swiss and international architectural movements (EPFL ACM; MySwitzerland).

Exhibitions and Public Engagement

In-House and Collaborative Exhibitions: ACM organizes open days, thematic exhibitions, and collaborates with institutions like the Swiss Architecture Museum and Archivio del Moderno. Materials are regularly loaned for external exhibitions (EPFL Newsletter).
Educational Programs: The ACM supports EPFL teaching, offers public lectures, and hosts events like the “Première Rencontre aux Archives” and WengerTag architectural walks (EPFL ACM news).
Recent Highlights: Full public access to the Henri Germond archive, guided tours of Wenger buildings, and participation in events like the Memoriav Congress.

Visitor Experience

Consultation & Research: Access to reading rooms and digital resources is supervised; bring valid photo ID. Handling of fragile materials is supervised and photography is restricted—research permissions can be arranged.
Facilities: Comfortable research spaces, multilingual staff, and access to digital collections.
Campus Amenities: Dining, recreation, and green spaces are available nearby.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Rolex Learning Center: An innovative architectural icon open to the public (Rolex Learning Center).
Lake Geneva: Enjoy scenic walks along the lakefront.
Lausanne Old Town: Explore museums, galleries, and historical landmarks.
Travel Tip: Combine your ACM visit with local cultural sites for a full Lausanne experience.

Digital Resources and Remote Access

MorphéPlus Platform: Many ACM collections are digitized and available online for remote consultation (MorphéPlus).
Virtual Tours & Interactive Maps: The ACM website features campus maps, digital exhibitions, and high-quality images with descriptive alt text.
Online Requests: Researchers can request digital copies and access catalogs remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the ACM visiting hours?
A: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–17:00, by appointment only.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, entry is free. Special events or tours may require advance registration.

Q: How do I book a visit?
A: Email [email protected] at least one week in advance with your request.

Q: Is ACM accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the facility is fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photos inside the archives?
A: Photography is generally restricted; permissions can be requested in advance for research.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, during special events and by prior arrangement.

Q: Can I access collections online?
A: Many holdings are digitized and available via the MorphéPlus platform.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Archives de la Construction Moderne is an indispensable destination for exploring Swiss architectural heritage, offering unparalleled access to collections that illuminate the evolution of modern design and construction. By planning your visit in advance, you can take full advantage of research support, engaging exhibitions, and the dynamic campus environment. For those unable to visit in person, digital resources provide meaningful access to the ACM’s collections.

Quick Tips:

Book your visit at least one week in advance.
Explore the MorphéPlus platform for digital collections.
Combine your visit with EPFL campus landmarks and Lausanne’s cultural sites.
Stay updated on events and exhibitions via the ACM website.

Embark on your journey into architectural history and innovation at the ACM—an essential highlight among Lausanne’s historical and cultural destinations (ACM official site, MorphéPlus, Lausanne Tourisme).