Fotostiftung Schweiz
Winterthur-based foundation for Switzerland's photographic heritage, with archives, the online image archive Bildarchiv Online, a photo library and exhibitions in the shared Fotozentrum.
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About the museum
Fotostiftung Schweiz was founded in 1971 as a non-profit private-law foundation. It primarily collects photographic works related to Switzerland, from the beginnings of photography to the present day and from art to documentary, applied and private photography. On behalf of the Federal Office of Culture, it also looks after around 160 archives of important photographers.
In Winterthur, the foundation regularly shows historical and contemporary positions in Swiss photography, publishes books and runs the Bildarchiv Online database. Together with Fotomuseum Winterthur, it operates the Fotozentrum on Grüzenstrasse, which includes a public specialist library, the museum shop and Bistro George.
In January 2026, the foundation announced a multi-year realignment: collection and archive work as well as digitisation will be strengthened, and from 2027 it intends to focus its exhibition activities more on venues outside its own premises. Since spring 2026, operational management has been in the hands of a leadership team. The exhibition on Andri Pol runs until 6 December 2026.
Highlights
- Collection of Swiss photography and around 160 photographers' archives under its care
- Bildarchiv Online with insight into more than 100 archives
- Public photo library shared with Fotomuseum Winterthur
- Bistro George in the shared Fotozentrum
- Founded
- 1971
- Operated by
- Fotostiftung Schweiz (gemeinnützige Stiftung)
- Director
- Operative Leitung durch ein Führungsteam: Kerstin Camenisch, Madleina Deplazes, Teresa Gruber, Katharina Rippstein
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 12School pupils, apprentices and students, seniors, holders of a disability card |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free admission for under-16s. |
| Seniors | CHF 12 |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 12with disability card |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 12School pupils, apprentices and students |
| Exhibition pass (Fotomuseum Winterthur and Fotostiftung Schweiz) | CHF 19reduced CHF 16 |
Free admission: Free admission every Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm.
Admission prices according to the joint visitor information (Fotostiftung Schweiz). Free admission for members of the Förderverein of Fotostiftung Schweiz and Fotomuseum Winterthur as well as the friends' circles of Photo Elysée and Centre de la Photographie Genève, school classes and university members of the canton of Zurich, holders of the Museumspass Winterthur and Museumspass (incl. Raiffeisen), ICOM members and holders of the KulturLegi.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Fotostiftung, Fotomuseum and Bistro George are wheelchair accessible; Fotostiftung has a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a travel wheelchair available to borrow. Further information is available in Procap's accessibility monitor.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
Free admission for under-16s.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Fotozentrum
Take the train to Winterthur, then from the station take bus 2 towards Seen for three stops to the Fotozentrum stop.
By car
Parking available
A few parking spaces right next to Fotostiftung Schweiz.
Bicycle racks next to the entrance of Fotostiftung Schweiz.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Bistro George (Tue–Fri 11 am–5 pm, Wed until 8 pm, Sat/Sun 11 am–6 pm, closed Mondays; buffet Wed–Sat from 6 pm) serving momos and daily menus from Tibetan, Indian and Thai cuisine. Museum shop and shared photo library.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public tours and exhibition talks as listed in the agenda (participation usually free, limited places; register at the ticket desk or in advance). Private tours for groups and schools on request; the formats “Fokus I” and “Fokus II” offer insight into archive work and photographic techniques. Special programme “Aufgeweckte Fotogeschichten” for people with dementia and their relatives. |
