The ETH’s Collection of Prints and Drawings was founded in 1867 as a classic collection for study and teaching purposes. Since then it has developed into an institution of international renown which actively promotes knowledge about and understanding for art on paper. With some 160,000 high-quality works on paper from the 15th century to the present day it is also one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in Switzerland.
Research and development
The Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich forms part of a university and as such recognises its duty to promote the academic research, development and digitalisation of its holdings. It stages three exhibitions per year, which introduce the collection to the general public and encourage an active study of the works.
Historical topics alternate with contemporary ones, relevant subjects are addressed and publications are produced to accompany them. The collection is expanded in a targeted manner, and especially with the acquisition of new works it tracks down and introduces the latest developments in art.
Exhibitions and education
The Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich aims to continue to arouse enthusiasm for its works in an interested public in future with a varied exhibition programme and accompanying publications. A broadly based educational programme accompanies the exhibitions and illuminates the background of the collection and its works.
The institution also sees its activities at all times as a materialised knowledge system which is also relevant beyond the art-related dialogue in the fields of the history of academic history and academics. For this reason in particular we seek an exchange with the departments of the ETH.
