State Archives Of The Canton Of Valais

State Archives of the Canton of Valais, Sion, Switzerland: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the historic center of Sion, the State Archives of the Canton of Valais (Archives de l’État du Valais) serve as the principal guardian of Valais’s rich documentary heritage. With roots stretching back to medieval record-keeping, the archives today preserve more than a millennium of social, political, and cultural memory. Housed within the revitalized Les Arsenaux complex—a former military arsenal now transformed into a dynamic cultural center—these archives offer state-of-the-art facilities for research, discovery, and public engagement. Through innovative digitization projects and community programs, the State Archives play a vital role in making Valais’s past accessible to all. This comprehensive guide details visiting hours, ticket information, accessibility, and nearby historical sites to help you make the most of your visit (Archives de l’État du Valais; Les Arsenaux Sion; Emigration Valais).

Introduction to the State Archives and Their Historical Significance
Early Origins and Historical Development
Collections and Holdings: What You Can Discover
Modernization and the Les Arsenaux Cultural Center
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Exploring Nearby Sion Historical Sites
Preservation and Digitization at the Archives
Research, Education, and Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit: Practical Tips and Recommendations
References

Introduction to the State Archives and Their Historical Significance

The State Archives of Valais are a cornerstone of the region’s identity, safeguarding documents that chronicle the evolution of Valais from its earliest days through its integration into the Swiss Confederation and into the present. These archives reflect Valais’s unique Alpine heritage, its history at the crossroads of Latin and Germanic cultures, and its adaptation to the challenges of mountain life. The collections attract researchers, genealogists, students, and travelers seeking to connect with the history of this remarkable canton (vs.ch; emigration-valais.ch).

Early Origins and Historical Development

The origins of the archives date back to the Middle Ages, when ecclesiastical and feudal authorities, notably the bishops of Sion, began systematically recording land ownership, legal affairs, and church matters. Parish registers, property deeds, and legal documents—often written in Latin—have survived to provide valuable insights into the social and political evolution of Valais. After the French occupation and the creation of the Helvetic Republic in the 19th century, control of the records shifted from church to state. Civil registration was introduced in 1876, marking the foundation of the modern State Archives (kunden.eye.ch; emigration-valais.ch).

Collections and Holdings: What You Can Discover

The State Archives of Valais house an extraordinary range of materials, including:

Parish Registers: Baptism, marriage, and death registers from the 17th to 20th centuries, essential for genealogical research. Originals are often held by religious institutions but are accessible through the archives (emigration-valais.ch).
Civil Registration Records: Official documents from 1876 onward, documenting vital events under state authority.
Census Records: Population records from 1798 to 1880, many of which are digitized and searchable online (familysearch.org).
Emigration Registers: Detailed lists of 19th-century emigrants, invaluable for family historians (emigration-valais.ch).
Genealogical Collections: Family trees, heraldic registries (such as the Armorial valaisan), and privately donated archives.
Legal and Administrative Documents: Deeds, court records, and correspondence from the medieval period to the present.

The archives collaborate with museums and cultural organizations to digitize materials and present virtual exhibitions (aev.vallesiana.ch).

Modernization and the Les Arsenaux Cultural Center

The Archives are now located in the architecturally significant Les Arsenaux complex—a former military arsenal redesigned into a multidisciplinary cultural hub. The site features climate-controlled storage, open reading rooms, digital workstations, and exhibition spaces. It also houses the Valais Media Library, fostering collaboration across cultural and academic fields (archdaily.com).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: Rue de Lausanne 45, 1950 Sion, Switzerland (Les Arsenaux Complex)

State Archives of Valais Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed Sundays and public holidays

Note: Some sources reference slightly different hours. Check the official website for the most current information.

Admission and Tickets

Admission: Free to the public for reading rooms and exhibitions
Guided Tours: Occasionally available; reservation required for groups and special events
Fees: Certain services (e.g., document reproduction) may incur a cost (vs.ch)

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: The building is fully accessible, with elevators and adapted restrooms
Transport: Less than 10 minutes on foot from Sion railway and bus stations; several bus lines serve the area
Parking: Limited on-site; public transport is recommended for sustainability

Other Facilities

Reading Rooms: Spacious, quiet, and equipped with Wi-Fi
Reference Library: Secondary sources and research tools available
Exhibition Spaces: Regularly changing displays of historical materials
Café-Restaurant: On-site for refreshments

Photography and Use of Materials

Photography: Restricted; permission required
Digital Resources: Many inventories and documents are accessible online (aev.vallesiana.ch)

Exploring Nearby Sion Historical Sites

A visit to the archives can easily be combined with a tour of Sion’s rich historical landscape, including:

Valère Basilica (Basilique de Valère): A fortified medieval church with panoramic views
Tourbillon Castle: Dramatic ruins overlooking the city
Valais Art Museum and History Museum: Explore regional art and artifacts
Old Town of Sion: Characterized by medieval towers, lively markets, and charming streets (ontherhone.com; siontourisme.ch)

Preservation and Digitization at the Archives

The State Archives prioritize the conservation of fragile materials in line with international standards. Significant digitization efforts have made many records available online, expanding access for researchers and the public worldwide. Notably, projects like the Sion Time Machine use advanced technology to create immersive digital reconstructions of the city’s history (aev.vallesiana.ch).

Research, Education, and Community Engagement

The Archives support a broad range of users:

Researchers & Genealogists: Access to primary sources, finding aids, and expert guidance
Educators & Students: Workshops, lectures, and tailored educational programs
General Visitors: Exhibitions and public events that bring Valais’s history to life

The archives also play a vital role in supporting transparent governance and legal research.