Focus

Historic hotels face the challenges of upkeep, use and economic pressures. We support owners and professionals in developing solutions that preserve the character of a house while also being future-proof.

We contribute expertise, provide support for projects and promote high standards when dealing with historic building fabric. In addition, the foundation can provide funding to selected projects upon request through a support fund.

We are furthermore committed to protecting historic hotels – especially those at risk of being sold or which have been jeopardised as the result of careless structural alterations.

In certain situations, the foundation also has an instrument at its disposal, the Historic Hotel AG (HHAG), to safeguard endangered hotel businesses – for example through targeted investments or financing solutions that ensure their long-term use and the preservation of their fabric.

 Are you planning a renovation or facing a critical decision? Get in touch with us.

We support research into the history of Swiss hotels and tourism and work closely with universities and specialist institutions.

We provide sources, contacts and expertise and initiate collaborations that create new ways of looking at hotel heritage.

 Are you working on a research project or looking for access to sources? We look forward to connecting with you.

The history of historic hotels is often fragmented – scattered across archives, hotels, and private collections. We consolidate this knowledge, support its cataloguing and help bring it to light.

We helped hotels to preserve and make their own archives visible – in analogue and digital form. We furthermore support and promote research projects, for example on the basis of studies, theses or in collaboration with researchers and students.

The Histify Agora platform creates a digital showcase that connects existing archives and creates new access points – without its own database, but as an intelligent interface.

Previously hidden treasures from private ownership or individual hotels can thus be brought to light and made accessible for research and the public.

Do you possess historical documents, are you planning research, or would you like to preserve your hotel archive? We are happy to assist you.

Historic hotels are places where history comes to life. Together with businesses, we create tailored solutions that bring history to life and make it tangible.

This includes guided tours, training for employees, or content contributions for communication and guest services.

 Do you want to make the history of a building or place more tangible? We develop tailored solutions for hotels as well as for external partners – talk to us.

Preserving our hotel heritage can only be achieved by working together. We connect experts from the hotel industry, monument preservation, architecture, archives, research and tourism and help them to connect and share expertise.

As a platform, we bring together knowledge, people and institutions and strengthen cooperation in the field of building culture.

Would you like to become part of this network or explore a collaboration? We look forward to hearing from you.

Contributions to the preservation, development and interpretation of archival holdings on the history of the Swiss hotel industry. This includes, in particular, the long-term preservation of endangered collections, their professional processing, and digital accessibility.

Financial support is contingent upon the development and digitization results achieved within the funded projects being made visible on the platform operated by the foundation – taking into account any applicable protection periods as well as existing exploitation and copyright rights.

The relevant funding area is currently being established.

Applications must be submitted to the office before the project begins. We recommend contacting us beforehand: info@living-history.ch

There is no entitlement to the provision of support payments. The awards are granted within the scope of the foundation's purpose and the funds available.

Contributions for construction at historic hotels – with the aim of preserving their historic fabric and ensuring a high standard of further development. 
The supported projects.