Kongresshaus

The Swiss National Exhibition of 1939 left Zürich something more durable than an exhibition. Built between 1937 and 1939 by Max Ernst Haefeli, Werner Max Moser and Rudolf Steiger, both as a showpiece for the Landi and as public works in a hard decade, the Kongresshaus was wrapped around the two concert halls of the older Tonhalle, built in 1893–95 by Fellner and Helmer. Keeping them cost time the architects did not have; the acoustics they preserved are now reckoned among the finest anywhere. Both buildings carry protected status. A restoration between 2017 and 2021 removed later alterations, strengthened the structure and renewed the services; the Tonhalle gave its reopening concert on 15 September 2021 and dedicated a new organ ten days after. Opera in concert has had its place in the house too, Verdi's Aida among the works given.