Buchhandlung Volkshaus
The bookshop is located in the historic Volkshaus, on the busy Stauffacherstrasse and just a few meters from Helvetiaplatz. The exterior facade was renovated 2021 in collaboration with the monument preservation authorities. The decision was made to paint the facade in a red hue, as the building was in the 1930s to 1950s.
People along the street are granted a direct view into the store through large windows and a glass door. The window area is framed at the top by an arch and on the side by straight walls, with the edges generously covered with natural stone. The shop window is decorated with a bright “Buchhandlung” sign. The front area is protected by a semi-dome-shaped awning, which can be adjusted with a cable pull. There is a showcase to the right and left of the shop window. The one on the right is slightly larger. Both are made of metal and have illuminated strips on the inside. Mostly books are displayed in them; the shallow depth of the display case does not allow for larger objects.
The bookshop has been in existence since 1939 and was founded as a cooperative bookshop (GBZ). Literary events were held in the cellar (known as „Die Katakombe”) for many years. Since 1992, the bookshop in the Volkshaus has been privately run and today sees itself as a socially critical specialist bookshop.
