Waisenhaus Zürich

Waisenhaus Zürich is a former nunnery building at Bahnhofquai now serving as police headquarters. The structure stands on the western shore of the Limmat river and combines elements of its medieval past with modern administrative functions.

The building originated as a medieval nunnery for the Oetenbach order. Between 1911 and 1914, architect Gustav Gull transformed it into an administrative complex while carefully preserving its medieval elements.

The entrance hall, called Giacometti Halle, displays vault and wall paintings by Augusto Giacometti that form an important part of Swiss artistic heritage. These artworks shape the first impression visitors get when entering the building.

The building is easy to find at Bahnhofquai 3 in a central riverside location. Keep in mind it serves as an active administrative center, so check beforehand if you wish to visit the interior.

This is the last surviving building of the Oetenbach monastery complex, as the other structures were demolished in 1901. Its survival makes it a rare witness to this former religious community.

Location: Zürich

Website: https://stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/index/stadtpolizei_zuerich.html

GPS coordinates: 47.37294,8.54178

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21