Literaturhaus

The Literaturhaus – or House of Literature – is a meeting place for members of the public. Since 1999, around 100 readings by authors, discussions, lectures, performances, and other events are held here every year. The Literaturhaus sees itself as a place of encounter and seeks an exchange with other perspectives, ideas, cultures, and literatures, spanning beyond national borders and language areas.

Founded in 1834 as a reading society, today the establishment on Limmatquai, which operates under the aegis of the Museumsgesellschaft, serves as a lending library, reading room, and event venue. The elegant reading room – whose windows offer a beautiful view of the Limmat and the Lindenhof on the opposite riverbank – is under a preservation order and is reserved for members. However, it is possible to obtain a temporary day pass for the reading room if it is not too busy. Here, in the place where Lenin, Tucholsky, and Joyce once sat, visitors can read fiction books as well as newspapers in various languages.