Waisenhaus Zürich, Former orphanage and penitentiary building at Bahnhofquai, Zürich, Switzerland

Waisenhaus Zürich, now Amtshaus I, stands at Bahnhofquai 3 near the Bahnhofbrücke. The former north wing of the Oetenbach nunnery was rebuilt in 1771 in Baroque style to plans by Gaetano Matteo Pisoni, with a south facade redesigned in simple Baroque in 1776 and an added second floor. Gustav Gull integrated it into the Urania complex between 1911 and 1914; it now houses the city police department.

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, known as the Giacometti Halle or Blüemlihalle, was decorated between 1923 and 1925 by Augusto Giacometti on behalf of city councillor Emil Klöti. Its vault and wall paintings are listed as a Class A object of national importance and were restored between 1985 and 2000.

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.

The vaulted entrance hall, known as the Giacometti Halle or Blüemlihalle, was painted by Augusto Giacometti between 1923 and 1925 on behalf of city councillor Emil Klöti. The frescoes are listed as a Class A object of national importance and were restored between 1985 and 2000.