Zentrum campus

ETH in the centre of Zurich since 1855

ETH Zurich was founded in 1855. At that time it was known as a polytechnic (or university of technology). Its main building has stood on the edge of a slope above Zurich’s old town since 1864.

Since the beginning of its eventful history, ETH Zurich has been a national educational and research institution that boasts an international reputation, attracting researchers and talented individuals from all over the world and playing a key role in the development of forward-looking national infrastructures.

Buildings in the centre

In addition to the main building, which has been rebuilt several times, the School of Agriculture and Forestry (1872–1874), the Chemistry Building (1884–1886, external page Chemical Landmark 2010), and the Machinery Laboratory (1897–1900, later extended) are evidence of the interplay between science and urban development that has been present right from the early days. In 2014, the LEE building became the first ETH Zurich building to open in the city centre in the 21st century.

More space required

The rise in technology and increasing digitalisation over the course of the 20th century, combined with the overall increase in the number of students and professors, have changed and increased the space required for teaching, research, and knowledge transfer.

A second campus needed

Accordingly, in 1955, at around the time of ETH Zurich’s 100th anniversary celebrations, the first discussions surrounding the establishment of an ETH Zurich outpost at Hönggerberg began. Today, ETH Zurich runs a campus on the Hönggerberg and a campus in the city centre.