Collections and archives

The NL's extensive collections of prints include pieces from the 17th century to the present day, with a focus on Switzerland's geography, people, customs, culture and politics.

The NL's poster collection covers Swiss poster production from its earliest days in around 1850 to the present day, and thus documents an important part of Switzerland's visual culture.

Since the early 20th century, the collection has included photographs, in particular views of places and landscapes as well as portraits.

The Prints and Drawings Department houses art collections from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as the archives of Daniel Spoerri, Karl Gerstner, Doris and Serge Stauffer and Andreas Züst, as well as numerous artists' books.

The Prints and Drawings Department collects artists’ books, editions and books containing original graphic works as well as special editions as a specific area of contemporary Swiss art from the end of the 19th century to the present day.

The Federal Archives of Historic Monuments contains photographs, files and plans relating to historic buildings, archaeological digs as well as the protection of built heritage and landscapes.