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SAPA Foundation

The SAPA Foundation in Bern, Lausanne and Zurich is the Swiss Archive of the Performing Arts. It preserves the cultural heritage of the performing arts in Switzerland, makes it accessible and promotes research into it. Its holdings include estates and bequests, the Swiss Cabaret Archive, a directory of productions and the Theatre Lexicon of Switzerland. SAPA also runs an oral history programme and offers services such as digitisation, conservation and consultancy.

Information

  • Visit duration: 60min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Topic: Performing arts and literature
    • Guided tours: Yes

Opening hours

The Bern office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 pm. The Lausanne (Wednesday and Thursday) and Zurich (Tuesday and Thursday) locations are each open from 10 am to 4 pm.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
13:00-16:00
Wednesday
13:00-16:00
Thursday
13:00-16:00
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Contact

Webpage
sapa.swiss
Email
info.bern@sapa.swiss
Address
Schanzenstrasse 15, 3001 Bern

Access

Nearby stops

  • Bern300 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Bern
0m
Thun
20m
Olten
27m
Neuchâtel
55m
Zürich HB
56m

FAQ

  • Do I need to register for a visit to the reading room?
    Yes, advance registration is requested for research enquiries so that the requested documents can be prepared in the reading room.
  • Is there a permanent exhibition on theatre history?
    The former permanent exhibition offered an overview of theatre history from ancient Greek theatres to the 20th century. A visit including a guided tour takes place on request.
  • Are the locations closed in summer?
    Yes, the offices in Bern, Lausanne and Zurich will be closed from Monday, 13 July to Sunday, 16 August 2026.
  • Can I donate my own archival holdings to SAPA?
    Yes, SAPA accepts relevant documents, private archives or archival holdings of national interest that represent the performing arts.