ETH Zurich, Center

The representative seat of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology continues to create an imposing presence on the slope of the Zürichberg, acting as a focal point for many people.

Founded 1855 as a the „Polytechnikum“, the ETH Zürich remains a national educational institution with an international appeal that attracts global talent.

In the early days, the successful blend of international openness and national bearing made the young ETH one of the key drivers in Swiss industrialization: it brought foreign know-how into the country, trained specialists, and participated in national infrastructure projects.

In 1911, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology received the name it still bears today. During this time, stable cooperations with government and industry were forged, and applied as well as basic research started gaining precedence over pure education. In 1961, having undergone steady growth, the ETH launched the first construction phase on its second location on Hönggerberg.

The ETH Center location remains the historic seat of this institution, housing 10 of 16 departments.

Bordering on the ETH site is the main building of the University of Zürich, as well as the University Hospital. This spatial proximity encourages an intense scientific interaction and exchange.

Main Building*

Since its construction, the main building of the ETH Zürich has been the embodiment of a dynamic school and has undergone multiple changes over time. Having been authorized in 1859 by the Swiss government, Gottfried Semper’s design was quickly realized and opened its doors in 1863; Zürich was in possession of a model building for educational institutions. For several decades, the polytechnical school and University shared its rooms. Clearly defined in silhouette and immediately recognizable, this monument thrones over the city, reminding the citizens of the importance of education and research.

*Sources:
Fröhlich Martin, Sempers Hauptgebäude der ETH Zürich, Sammlung Schweizerische Kunstführer, Hrsg. von der Gesellschaft für Schweizerische Kunstgeschichte, Nachdruck, Bern, 1990.
Oeschslin Werner, Die ETH als Eigentümerin von Immobilien, in: Hochschulstadt Zürich, Bauten für die ETH 1855 – 2005, gta Verlag, Zürich, 2005.

Today the main building houses the school’s administration and staff divisions, as well as various organizational and service units. The central foyer at the main entrance remains a popular space for exhibitions and events.