House of the Cantons, Administrative building in Red Quarter, Bern, Switzerland.
Description
The House of the Cantons is located at Speichergasse 6 and Hodlerstrasse 5 in Bern's Red Quarter and displays architectural features typical of Swiss design from the late 1800s. The building was designed to host assemblies and conferences, with rooms dedicated to official meetings and regional discussions.
History
Built in 1891 by architects Otto Dorer and Adolf Füchslin, it came during a period when Switzerland was expanding its federal administration structure. The construction reflects how the country developed systems for coordinating between its regions.
Culture
The building served as a meeting place where different regions of Switzerland came together to discuss shared concerns and coordinate decisions. Its interior spaces reflect this collaborative purpose and how regional cooperation shaped the country's governance.
Practical
The building is accessible on weekdays between 7:15 and 18:00 Monday through Thursday, with earlier closing on Friday at 17:00. Best to visit during quiet times in the morning or late afternoon when fewer official activities are taking place.
Did you know?
Since 2008 it has served as headquarters for the Conference of Cantonal Governments, a key institution supporting dialogue among Swiss regional leaders. This role makes it a place where important decisions are shaped, though many who pass by do not realize this.
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