Current Project Status (May 2026)

What is the latest update on the memorial site in Bern? What progress has been made on the Education Center in Diepoldsau (SG)? Learn more about the overall development of the Swiss Memorial project.

Memorial Site in Bern

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has provided CHF 2.5 million for the establishment of the memorial site in Bern. In July 2025, it launched an international art competition for the memorial site. 55 interdisciplinary teams applied. The jury, led by Madeleine Schuppli, invited 11 teams to develop project proposals.
The projects will be evaluated in summer 2026.

Education Center

Responsibility for establishing the Education Center in Diepoldsau was transferred from the Canton of St. Gallen to the Swiss Memorial Network Association in the summer of 2025. The Network Association will receive funding from the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) for the period 2025–2028. For its development work, it has concluded a service agreement with the Jewish Museum Hohenems under the direction of Irene Aue-Ben-David. Swiss Memorial Network Association will receive funding from the Federal Office of Culture from 2025 to 2028 and has concluded a service agreement for its development work with the Jewish Museum Hohenems, which has been directed by Irene Aue-Ben-David since April 2026.

Project Status

Two separate associations were founded for the establishment of the Swiss Memorial sites in Bern and Diepoldsau (Supporting Association and Network Association). These are now working closely together. A coordination office has been established to develop and coordinate the educational content. It works with, among others, a working group of Swiss universities of teacher education. This group brings together experts on historical learning and teaching about the Nazi crimes and Switzerland’s role during World War II. From summer 2026, the Network will be ready to accept Associate Members. Learn more.