The Municipal Archives holds documents of historical, social and legal importance spanning the last 700-plus years of Biel/Bienne's history.

The Municipal Archives are the central repository for the archive records of the municipal authorities and administrative bodies, as well as those persons and institutions that perform public functions on behalf of the city. Archival holdings of private or semi-private origin that are important for Biel/Bienne and the region are also collected. In this way, the Municipal Archives traces the actions of the public authorities and ensures that the Biel/Bienne’s history is passed on. Staff also advise the municipal authorities on records management and preservation planning, assist the public in their research activities and make archival records available for consultation.

Research and consultation of records

Online catalogue

You can search our online catalogue of archival holdings and place an order by e-mail or using the contact form for the records you wish to consult in our reading room.

If you are looking for archival holdings not yet catalogued, please feel free to get in touch by phone, e-mail, or by using the contact form.

Notes on catalogue searches

For historical reasons, the majority of the Municipal Archive's records are in German and are listed and described accordingly in the archive catalog. French-language archival records are listed in French in the same way. The respective entry in the archive catalogue shows the languages used in the corresponding dossier.

Consultations

Consultations of records in our reading room are free, in accordance with the current rules. A fee may be charged for special requests.

Link to the Regulations for the Use of the Municipal Archives (RDCo 1.1-6.1 [pdf, 40 KB]

Opening times

The reading room is accessible by appointment only. Please contact us to make an appointment.