Swiss Literary Archives, Memory institution in Kirchenfeld district, Bern, Switzerland.
The Archives preserve handwritten works, letters, diaries, and audiovisual materials from Swiss writers across all four national languages. The collections span primarily the 20th century and document the literary output of multiple generations.
The institution was founded in 1991 after Friedrich Dürrenmatt donated his extensive collection to the Swiss Confederation in 1989. This generous gift became the core of the Archives and established it as an important center for Swiss literary research.
The collection represents writers from all language regions of Switzerland, showing how literary creation flourishes across the country's different cultures. Visitors can observe how these works reflect the diverse identity of Swiss literature.
Visitors can consult materials in the reading room of the Swiss National Library, where collections are made accessible with proper support. It helps to check opening hours beforehand, as availability may vary depending on research needs.
The institution publishes a journal called Quarto that shares research insights and stories about the collections with readers interested in literary history. This publication brings attention to lesser-known writers and manuscript details that might otherwise remain hidden from general audiences.
Location: Kirchenfeld
Location: Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde
Location: Bern
Location: Bern-Mittelland administrative district
Inception: 1991
Operator: Schweizerische Nationalbibliothek
Part of: Swiss National Library, list of cultural properties in Bern / Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde
Address: Hallwylstrasse 15, 3005 Bern
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday-Sunday off
Phone: +41584629258
Email: arch.lit@nb.admin.ch
Website: https://nb.admin.ch/snl/fr/home/portrait/als.html
GPS coordinates: 46.94121,7.44943
Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24
Swiss National Library
30 m
Historical Museum of Bern
198 m
Museum of Communication
86 m
Natural History Museum of Bern
111 m
Swiss Rifle Museum
200 m
Bern city archives
181 m
Big discus thrower
29 m
Eva
81 m
Kneeling young man
139 m
Susanna
40 m
Federal administration building (1902-1904)
167 m
Collection of the Historical Museum of Bern
204 m
Boy group
108 m
Opening of the archives
188 m
Terrace revenue houses (1899)
182 m
Swissmint Building
95 m
Orbit
27 m
Collection of the Museum of Communication
92 m
Museum of natural history (building)
111 m
Four portrait heads
195 m
L'âge de l'histoire
211 m
Soldier scene
206 m
Group of Girls
116 m
Erdbeeri-Mareili
11 m
Chessless Chess
208 m
Forum Alto
163 m
Swiss National Library
30 m
Oak Elisabeth Kopp
198 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes