Foundation for the historical heritage of SBB, Memory institution and library in Windisch, Switzerland
The Foundation for Historical Heritage of SBB holds over 30,000 documents and 300 journals chronicling Swiss railway development from its origins. The collection also includes photographs and materials spanning different periods and aspects of this technical history.
The institution was founded in 1959 to gather and preserve documents about railway history. It relocated from Bern to a former SBB warehouse near Brugg train station in 2015.
The collection reveals how railways shaped daily life and society across Switzerland over generations. Visitors encounter photographs and objects showing how people once traveled and how train stations evolved into important community hubs.
The reading room is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 to 17 and is located in Windisch at Lagerstrasse 1. Visitors should inquire in advance since access is monitored and appointments may be required.
The archive also maintains a collection of historical railway vehicles, including the functional Red Arrow train from the 1930s. This train is occasionally operated for special events and heritage rides.
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