Politics New parliament visitor center planned for Bundesplatz

The current information center in the Federal Palace is reaching its limits in terms of visitor numbers. The Federal Assembly's administrative delegation is therefore conducting a feasibility study for an external information and visitor center on the Bundesplatz.

The parliament building attracts around 100,000 visitors every year who follow parliamentary debates, meet members of the Council, take part in tours or attend events. At present, however, this need can only be met to a limited extent due to the cramped conditions at the visitors' entrance, the high security requirements and the diverse use of the parliament building, the Parliamentary Services announced on Friday.

The Federal Assembly's administrative delegation is therefore working with the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FOBL) to examine whether parts of the former Credit Suisse building at Bundesplatz 2 in Bern could be used as an external information and visitor center for Parliament. National Council President Eric Nussbaumer (SP/BL) was elected as a delegate for the project, according to the press release.

As soon as the letter of intent has been signed by all parties, a feasibility study will be carried out by fall 2025. A maximum credit of CHF 150,000 has been set aside in the budget for this.

The Administrative Delegation of the Federal Assembly (VD) is the supreme body of the Swiss parliamentary administration. Among other things, it deals with all issues relating to the infrastructure of Parliament. The VD is made up of three members each from the offices of the National Council and the Council of States. As a rule, the presidents and the first and second vice-presidents of both chambers form the administrative delegation.

SDA