Old Kantonsschule

The old Kantonsschule is a school complex in Aarau comprising multiple connected buildings, including the Einstein House, Paul-Karrer House, and Karl-Moser House. These structures form an educational campus in the city center with buildings of different periods and styles.

The school was founded in 1802 as Switzerland's first non-religious secondary school, setting it apart from other institutions of that era. In 1896 it moved to the current Einstein House, where it has remained since.

The east wall of the Einstein House features educational allegories painted by former student Arnold Büchli that represent different fields of study and remain visible to visitors today.

The campus is centrally located in Aarau and easily accessible on foot, with clear entrances to the various buildings of the complex. Keep in mind this is an active school campus, so access to some areas may be restricted during school hours.

Three Nobel Prize winners and four Swiss Federal Council members studied here, including physicist Albert Einstein who attended during 1895-1896. These accomplished graduates give the school a place in international educational history.

Location: Aarau

Inception: 1802

Architects: Karl Moser

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: list of cultural properties in Aarau

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 91, 5000 Aarau

Website: https://altekanti.ch

GPS coordinates: 47.39334,8.05321

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42