Sapa Foundation, Swiss Archive Of The Performing Arts

Visiting the SAPA Foundation Swiss Archive of the Performing Arts: Zurich Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The SAPA Foundation (Swiss Archive of the Performing Arts) stands as Switzerland’s foremost institution devoted to preserving, documenting, and promoting the nation’s dynamic theatrical, dance, and performance art heritage. Created through the merger of significant archives, including the Swiss Dance Archive and the Swiss Theatre Collection, SAPA offers a comprehensive, multilingual repository that captures the ephemeral character of Swiss performing arts across various regions. With branches in Bern, Lausanne, and Zürich, SAPA serves researchers, artists, educators, and cultural tourists eager to explore both historical and contemporary developments in Swiss performing arts.

Visitors can experience an extensive array of collections featuring scripts, production notes, photographs, audiovisual recordings, costumes, and memorabilia from key figures such as Adolphe Appia and Maurice Béjart. SAPA’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in its free admission, guided tours, workshops, and innovative digital resources, ensuring its treasures are available locally and globally. Whether you’re exploring the exhibitions in Bern, interacting with archives in Lausanne, or conducting research in Zürich, SAPA provides a unique window into the artistic expressions that shape Swiss cultural identity.

This guide presents essential information for visiting SAPA’s Zürich branch—along with key details for Bern and Lausanne—including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, visitor tips, and cultural attractions nearby. For up-to-date details, always refer to the official SAPA Foundation website (SAPA Foundation Official Website, MySwitzerland - Sapa Foundation).

Entrance of Stiftung SAPA Swiss Archive of Performing Arts in Bern

SAPA Foundation Overview and Development
- Origins and Institutional Growth
- Mission and Collection Scope
Visiting SAPA: Hours, Admission, and Visitor Experience
Key Collections and Multilingual Representation
Research, Education, and Public Engagement
Governance, Funding, and International Networks
Digital Access and Future Directions
Detailed Guides: Visiting Bern, Lausanne, and Zürich Branches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
References

SAPA Foundation Overview and Development

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.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

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.