Origins and Institutional Growth
SAPA’s roots trace back to the 1993 founding of the Swiss Dance Archive in Lausanne by Jean-Pierre Pastori. Over the next decades, parallel initiatives such as the mediathektanz.ch in Zürich and the Swiss Theatre Collection emerged, enriching Switzerland’s archival landscape. In 2017, these efforts unified to form the SAPA Foundation, creating a comprehensive, multilingual archive representing the diversity of Swiss performing arts.
Mission and Collection Scope
SAPA’s mission is to collect, document, and promote works related to Swiss performing arts. Its holdings include archival documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, costumes, and memorabilia—often referred to as the “Helvetica of the Performing Arts”—providing an essential resource for understanding Switzerland’s cultural legacy.
Visiting SAPA: Hours, Admission, and Visitor Experience
Locations and Opening Hours
- Zürich Open by appointment, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Advance booking required.
- Bern Open to the public every first Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, with guided tours at 2:00 PM.
- Lausanne Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Group tours available by appointment.
Latest details and changes are available on the SAPA Foundation Official Website.
Admission and Guided Tours
Admission to all SAPA branches is free. Zürich requires advance booking for research or study appointments. Guided tours are regularly offered in Bern (first Saturday of each month) and in Lausanne by appointment. Group visits can be arranged at any location.
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
- All locations are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate visitors with disabilities—contact the foundation ahead for specific support.
- Photography is allowed in designated areas; always confirm with staff during your visit.
- Check the SAPA website for current exhibitions, special events, and workshops.
- Leverage interactive and multimedia displays, especially in Lausanne’s permanent exhibition.
- Combine your visit with nearby museums and cultural sites for a richer experience.
Key Collections and Multilingual Representation
SAPA houses significant materials from artists such as Adolphe Appia, Maurice Béjart, Oskar Eberle, and Sigurd Leeder. Collections include scripts, production notes, photographs, audiovisual archives, costumes, set designs, and more. Holdings represent all of Switzerland’s linguistic regions—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—ensuring inclusive accessibility and national representation.
Research, Education, and Public Engagement
SAPA actively collaborates with institutions like the Hochschule der Künste Bern and Tanzakademie Zürich, supporting research, education, and public engagement. The foundation offers guided tours, educational programs, and exhibitions designed for diverse audiences, fostering appreciation and understanding of Swiss performing arts.
Governance, Funding, and International Networks
As a non-profit organization, SAPA is supported by partners such as the UBS Culture Foundation and the Coromandel Foundation. It maintains rigorous standards in line with international archival networks like SIBMAS, ensuring both integrity and sustainability.
Digital Access and Future Directions
SAPA is a leader in digital archiving, offering:
- A semantic knowledge graph linking items, works, people, and places.
- Linked Open Data and an open-source collections management system.
- Online access to digitized photographs, programs, and selected audiovisual content.
- Collaborative projects with Wikimedia CH and Memoriav to enhance access and visibility.
- Ongoing investment in digitization and future tools like AI for improved cataloguing, and exploration of VR/AR for immersive experiences.
Detailed Guides: Visiting Bern, Lausanne, and Zürich Branches
Bern
- Location Schanzenstrasse 15, Bern
- Hours First Saturday of each month, 12:00–16:00; guided tour at 14:00
- Features Permanent exhibition of theatre architecture and stage technology, interactive displays, and large-scale theatre models.
- Nearby Bern Historical Museum, Old Town, Zentrum Paul Klee
Lausanne
- Location Avenue Villamont 4, Lausanne
- Hours Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00–16:00; group tours by appointment
- Features Interactive permanent exhibition on the work of performing arts archivists, family-friendly activities, and sustainable design.
- Nearby Olympic Museum, Collection de l’Art Brut
Zürich
- Location Limmatstrasse 265, Zürich
- Hours By appointment, Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00
- Features Research-oriented archive; access to manuscripts, photographs, videos, and special collections.
- Nearby Zürich Opera House, Kunsthaus Zürich, Old Town
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Zürich is by appointment (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00). Bern is open first Saturday each month, 12:00–16:00. Lausanne is open Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00–16:00.
Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Admission is free at all SAPA locations.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes—regularly in Bern and Lausanne, by appointment in Zürich.
Q: Are the archives accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, all sites are wheelchair accessible. Contact SAPA in advance for specific accommodations.
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Inquire with staff about photography policies in each location.
Q: How do I book an appointment in Zürich?
A: Contact SAPA via their official website or by phone to schedule your visit.
Discover More
- Official Website SAPA Foundation
- Visitor Info MySwitzerland - SAPA Foundation
- Social Media Follow SAPA for updates on exhibitions and events.
- Audiala App Download for audio guides and interactive content related to Swiss performing arts.
Make the most of your visit by planning ahead, booking tours, and exploring SAPA’s digital resources. Pair your experience with visits to nearby museums or cultural sites in Bern, Lausanne, and Zürich for a complete journey into Switzerland’s performing arts heritage.
