Burgerbibliothek of Berne, Public academic archive in Bern, Switzerland
The Burgerbibliothek is an archive and collection center in Bern that holds over 30,000 images and graphics about the city. The facility also contains medieval manuscripts, private bequests, and administrative records of the Burgergemeinde.
The archive was founded in 1951 after manuscript and graphic collections were separated from the former City and University Library of Bern. This division created a specialized institution focused on preserving local sources.
The library holds personal family archives and administrative documents of the Burgergemeinde that reflect the lives of Bern's residents across generations. These collections tell stories about citizens and their connections to the city.
Visitors can use the reading rooms during daytime hours from Tuesday through Friday for research. Tours and exhibition access can be arranged during regular opening times or by prior request.
The collection includes the illuminated medieval chronicle by Diebold Schilling, an elaborately crafted historical work with detailed illustrations. It also holds archives of notable figures such as naturalist Albrecht von Haller and writer Jeremias Gotthelf.
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