In order to best prepare for visiting us for the first time, we have compiled the following information for you. Please also note our instructions for your first visit.

• Opening hours and exceptional closures
• User Rules and Regulations

Pre-order the documents you want to view in the reading room for a specific date to allow for possible enquiries and avoid having to wait. 

You can order further documents on the day of your visit. 

• Ordering documents to the reading room
• Searching the archives catalogue with the full text search
• For the Bongarsiana / Codices and the Graphics Collection, Photographic Archives and Paintings divisions, you must place an order via the archives catalogue and thus make an appointment.

• In the detail view of the unit of description (for example of the dossier or the individual document), check the entry in the section on «Usage» as to whether permission is required.
• If no permission is required: you can order the unit to the reading room.
• If permission is required: contact us by email
  • Allow enough time for your request to be processed (1–2 weeks).

• An official identification document to register in the reading room.
• A 1 CHF/1 € coin for the cloakroom locker (obligatory).