Schwyz Town Hall

In 1891, Ferdinand Wagner painted the Schwyz Town Hall with scenes from Swiss history — part of the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. Created using Keim’s mineral paints, the murals are considered technically and artistically outstanding. Their vivid colours were officially praised in 1913. In 1989/90, a careful restoration focused on stabilising the render to preserve the artwork.

Architect:

Anton Ulrich, Melchior Rufiner

Builder:

Canton of Schwyz

Photos:

KEIM Schweiz

Location:

Schwyz, Switzerland

Products:

Künstlerfarben

In 1890, the National Council and Council of States decided to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation in Central Switzerland. The main square in Schwyz was chosen as the central location for the festival and celebrations on 1 August. A key reason for choosing Schwyz was the intention to promote the political integration of the Catholic cantons, which had been on the losing side after the Sonderbund War of 1847.

In 1891, the Munich-based historical painter Ferdinand Wagner was commissioned to paint scenes from Swiss history on the facades of the town hall as part of the celebrations.

Together with three assistants, Wagner designed the north and west facades of the town hall within a few months. Keim's mineral paints, patented in 1878, were used – in the so-called A technique for the paintings and the B technique for decorative elements such as egg sticks, tendrils and frames. To protect the fresh paintwork from the weather, wooden formwork was installed during the work. It is documented that Adolf Wilhelm Keim, the inventor of the paints used, visited the site at least once to provide technical support.

The paintings proved to be extremely durable – proof not only of the careful execution, but also of the high quality of the paint used. This durability was also confirmed by the authorities 22 years after completion.

In an official letter dated 29 March 1913 (No. 834), the Landammann and the Government Council of the Canton of Schwyz stated:

‘... that the painting of the town hall in Schwyz on the occasion of the Swiss National Day celebrations in 1891 was commissioned from Professor Ferdinand Wagner, historical painter in Munich, on the basis of designs submitted and approved in September 1890; ... that these paintings, ornaments, etc. are still as attractive, fresh and colourful today as they were 22 years ago – even though the north side of the town hall in particular is completely unprotected and exposed to all weather conditions.’

In 1989/90, the company Fontana & Fontana was commissioned to restore the painted façades. The focus was less on the layer of decorative painting - apart from some older glazing, this was in surprisingly good condition. Rather, the focus was on consolidating the now brittle lime plaster with silicic acid ester. This required the utmost care in order to apply the exact amount of consolidating agent required locally. Small flaking caused by hail and cracks were filled and retouched. The murals depict key scenes from Swiss history and thus combine artistic quality with national symbolism:

The following scenes and figures are depicted on the west façade:

The Rütli Oath of 1291
The Battle of Morgarten
The Covenant of Brunnen (1315)
Legendary personalities such as Suit (the legendary founder of Schwyz), Walter Fürst, Werner Stauffacher and Arnold Anderhalden

The north façade shows