Special collections BiG
What did Swiss soldiers see and experience during their time in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission in Korea? How was the territory of today's Switzerland mapped? Did members of parliament act differently in the 1980s than they do today? What personal impressions have been preserved of soldiers on active duty? Find answers to these and more questions at the Library am Guisanplatz BiG.
Military postcard collection
The military postcard collection at the BiG offers insights into the contemporary perception of military, national defence and war.
Georg Heberlein autograph collection
The Georg Heberlein autograph collection brings you face-to-face with five centuries of world history and its chief characters.
Albert von Escher collection
The Albert von Escher collection contains watercolours of cantonal and federal military uniforms from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Rutishauser portrait collection
Can you still picture Kurt Furgler’s facial expressions and mannerisms? Would you like to see the inauguration of Elisabeth Kopp, the first female member of the Federal Council? Or perhaps you are looking for photos that capture the spirit of Christoph Blocher in the National Council?
Photo archive Walter Rutishauser
Which Swiss politicians do you remember? What topics were discussed in the political arena from the 1970s to the turn of the millennium? Press and agency photographer Walter Rutishauser left behind an in-depth insight into the workings of parliament. Held at the Library Am Guisanplatz since 2013, his photo archive contains a wide range of portraits and topical photos spanning the years 1960 to 2000.
Historical maps
The Library Am Guisanplatz BiG owns a collection of historical maps dating back to the 17th century. This includes maps of Switzerland, printed local maps and hand-drawn maps of Switzerland and the surrounding countries.
Korea collection
The BiG’s Korea collection provides insight into the work and daily routine of the Swiss NNSC delegation.