Summary

The Swiss National Library (NB) and the Federal Office of Culture (BAK) are temporarily relocating their operations to Monbijoustrasse 72–74 in Bern starting in October 2026. This is due to comprehensive overall renovation of the historic building at Hallwylstrasse 15, which will take place from 2027 to 2034. The National Library will close on October 30, 2026 at 6 p.m. and reopen on November 30, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the provisional location. The collections will remain in two underground storage facilities at the original site; a logistics system ensures document transport between the two locations. Staff relocation will be staggered: BAK in August 2026, NB in November 2026.

Persons

  • (No persons named)

Topics

  • Cultural Infrastructure Switzerland
  • National Library Bern
  • Building Renovation
  • Federal Office of Culture

Clarus Lead

The seven-year relocation presents a significant challenge for the continuity of cultural services. For users and cultural professionals, it is relevant that the library remains accessible throughout the renovation phase – a crucial point for maintaining access to national cultural holdings. The staggered moving logistics and spatial separation of collections and workplaces require a coordinated logistics system that will test service quality under pressure.

Detailed Summary

The Hallwyl building at Hallwylstrasse 15 is undergoing fundamental renovation that will take at least seven years. During this time, both institutions will operate from the provisional location at Monbijoustrasse 72–74. The collections themselves – the heart of the National Library – will remain stored in two underground storage facilities at the original site. A specially established logistics system will handle the daily transport of requested documents between Hallwylstrasse and Monbijoustrasse to continue providing users with access to the holdings.

Public services will be gradually resumed at the new location starting November 30, 2026. Personnel restructuring will occur in two phases: BAK staff will move in the second half of August 2026, NB staff will follow in November 2026. This staggered timing enables an orderly transition and minimizes operational disruptions.

Key Points

  • The National Library will remain open to the public during the seven-year renovation phase (2027–2034), albeit at a provisional location.
  • Collections will remain in underground storage facilities at the original building; a logistics system ensures access to documents.
  • The staggered relocation (BAK August 2026, NB November 2026) minimizes operational risks and allows continuous service provision.

Critical Questions

  1. Source Validity: Is the renovation plan based on current cost estimates and risk analyses, or are delays (beyond 2034) already included in scenarios?

  2. Logistics Capacity: How is the logistics system dimensioned – can it handle peak-load requests (e.g., before semester start) without delays, or will users face waiting times?

  3. Cost Consequences: What additional operating costs will result from the seven-year dual-site structure (two locations, transport logistics), and are these covered in the federal budget?

  4. Alternative Scenarios: Were other renovation models examined and rejected (e.g., phased renovation with partial on-site operation), or was complete relocation the only option?

  5. Collection Risks: How will the underground storage facilities be protected during the construction phase against damage (water, vibrations, temperature fluctuations)?

  6. Personnel Development: Will the provisional situation create challenges in recruitment and employee retention, particularly for specialized positions?

Source Directory

Primary Source: State Visit Poland / Latest Federal Council Conferences – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/HG83iaxambfdzvzKQuy4l

Verification Status: ✓ 28.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 28.05.2026