Could a former military barracks become a vibrant cultural hub? Here at the Alte Militärkaserne in Zurich, the answer is a resounding yes. The Alte Militärkaserne stands as a testament to Zurich’s evolving history. This grand structure, nestled near the main train station, has witnessed significant transformations. Originally built between 1873 and 1876, the Alte Militärkaserne replaced older military structures. The construction was necessary to make way for the Bahnhofstrasse.
The location, in Aussersihl, was strategically chosen. It offered proximity to the city center and the Sihlhölzli, a grassy area along the Sihl river. This provided a direct link to the Allmend Höckler training grounds. The design, by Johann Jakob Müller, even echoed the Arsenal in Vienna with its long Zeughaus wing.
For decades, the Alte Militärkaserne served as a training ground for infantry and cavalry schools. Zurich held its last cavalry recruit school here in 1937. After the horses left in 1968, the riding hall transformed into a multipurpose space. The stables were converted into storage. In 1973, the people of Zurich voted to relocate the military functions to the Reppischtal. This decision marked the beginning of the Alte Militärkaserne’s transformation. The old Zeughaus operations were consolidated at a new location on Uetlibergstrasse in 1987.
The Alte Militärkaserne’s journey continued with a stint housing the cantonal police. This lasted for about 30 years, until their move to the new Police and Justice Center in 2021. Now, the entire Kasernenwiese, once divided by a fence and barbed wire, serves as a public park. The former police prison, a temporary fixture since 1994, was finally demolished in 2023. This opened up even more space for public enjoyment.
Today, the Alte Militärkaserne is a dynamic space. It continues to evolve. Parts of the building, specifically sections across the Sihl River, house a restaurant, bars, the Theaterhaus Gessnerallee, and a department of Zurich University of the Arts. The main building is slated to become an adult education center by 2026. It will host the cantonal adult Matura school and the cantonal vocational school. The ground floor, however, will be open to the public, featuring restaurants and a multipurpose hall. This blend of education and public access exemplifies the Alte Militärkaserne’s ongoing adaptation. It serves as a reminder that even structures with a military past can find new life in the heart of a vibrant city.