Guided tour: The history and architecture of the ZB

The Zurich Central Library has been the cantonal, municipal and university library of Zurich for over 100 years. With more than 7.5 million items and around 240 staff members, it is one of the largest libraries in Switzerland. Its extensive collection is complemented by a wide range of databases and digital full-text resources. Every year, nearly one million people visit the ZB and make use of its diverse services.

During the guided tour, you will learn more about the history of the ZB and explore various areas of the building. As the original building from 1917 (designed by architect Hermann Fietz) is currently closed due to ongoing renovation work, the tour focuses on the 14th-century Predigerchor and the extension built in the 1990s (designed by architects Alex and Heinz Eggimann). In the Predigerchor, you will visit the music reading room beneath the Gothic vault and the historic staircase dating from 1919. In the extension, you can explore the large reading room, the Turicensia Lounge and the underground book storage areas.

Participation is free of charge. Please register.

For ZB events (guided tours, courses, lectures), audio aids (including induction loops for hearing aids) are available for people with hearing impairments. If required, please contact kommunikation@zb.uzh.ch.