S AM is the leading institution in Switzerland devoted to public exhibitions and outreach programs about contemporary architecture. S AM considers itself as a platform anchored in entire Switzerland whose audience and influence are also international.
S AM focuses on present and future issues concerning the field of architecture and related disciplines. Through coherent presentations, documentation and reflexion about architecture and its social relevance, the main goal of S AM is to support architecture as a leading topic of professional and public concern. On the one hand in achieving this aim the Museum represents an independent position within the broad spectrum of Swiss building culture and on the other hand the Museum maintains an outlook and view exploring global changes and developments.
S AM’s aims also include establishing a broad and critical discussion about future design tasks, challenges and values in the cultural context of architecture at the beginning of the 21st century. The exhibitions are intended for both a professional as well as broad public interested in architecture.
FUNCTIONS OF THE S AM
EXHIBITIONS
S AM is devoted to public exhibitions and outreach programs about architecture and in this function is concerned with historical as well as contemporary topics. Some exhibitions are independent productions while others are developed in cooperation with other institutions.
EVENTS & OUTREACH
S AM supports the culture of architecture discourse by organising independent events, e.g., panel discussions, lecture series, guided tours, etc.
DOCUMENTATION
S AM documents architectural events through publications which are released to accompany its exhibitions Audio and video projects often serve to enhance and extend the published material. In addition S AM possesses archival estates of selected architecture firms.
ORGANISATION AND FINANCING OF S AM
S AM Foundation Board governs and supports the activities of the Museum. Serving as the representative of the Museum’s Patrons, the Board also advises the Museum’s directors concerning the exhibition program. The artistic and business concerns of the Museum are the responsibility of members of the Museum’s team of employees. Until recently mainly financed by donations of Patrons and Sponsors, as a non-profit organisation bringing architecture to a broad public S AM is striving to strengthen its financing backing with local, regional and national governmental funds. Strategic partnerships with other institutions and sponsors serve in maintaining the variety and quality of the Museum’s programs.