National Day "New" Bundesplatz in Bern celebrates its 20th anniversary
Popular for 20 years, especially with the youngest: the water feature on the Bundesplatz. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
August 1, 2004 in Bern: visitors admire the water feature on the Bundesplatz. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
The redesigned Bundesplatz is inextricably linked with his name: Bern's former mayor Alexander Tschäppät, who died in 2018. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
The redesigned Bundesplatz in Bern was celebrated for two days in 2004. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
Popular for 20 years, especially with the youngest: the water feature on the Bundesplatz. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
August 1, 2004 in Bern: visitors admire the water feature on the Bundesplatz. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
The redesigned Bundesplatz is inextricably linked with his name: Bern's former mayor Alexander Tschäppät, who died in 2018. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
The redesigned Bundesplatz in Bern was celebrated for two days in 2004. (Archive)
Image: Keystone
Exactly 20 years ago, the Bundesplatz in Bern was freed from cars. The redesigned square in front of the Federal Palace, complete with water feature, was officially opened on July 31 and August 1, 2004.
The Bundesplatz was created in 1902 at the same time as the parliament building. According to historians, the federal state wanted to demonstrate its power vis-à-vis the State of Bern. It is therefore all the more surprising that the square was then used for decades as a mundane parking area for cars.
This only changed at the beginning of this century. The cars were banned. Since 2004, a 60 by 36 meter rectangle of natural stone slabs made of Vals gneiss has been spreading out. A water feature with 26 jets adds a three-dimensional element to the square. The redesign cost around eight million francs.
"A monument in front of the monument" would not have made sense, according to the architect and the two visual designers who came up with the winning project. They therefore created an open space in front of the monumental Federal Palace, a "designed void".
Colorful hustle and bustle in front of parliament
From spring to fall, the water feature is a popular attraction in the federal city. Water splashes, children scream and jump through the fountains.
Many a Swiss state guest is said to have smiled and been somewhat astonished at the colorful goings-on in front of the parliament, according to stories in the streets of Bern. The 26 fountains of the water feature, which represent the Swiss cantons, are a popular photo motif for tourists.
The fountain is turned off during the weekly market on Tuesdays and Saturdays - and of course also when the Bundesplatz is used as a venue for events and demonstrations.
