© Susanne GoldschmidPolit-Forum Bern turns a historic former prison next to the Swiss Parliament into an open, neutral space for democratic debate, civic education, and political participation.
A PRISON TURNED PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY
The Käfigturm in Bern has a striking history: once a prison, it now stands next to the Swiss Parliament as an open infrastructure for democracy. Polit-Forum Bern has transformed this space into a permanent, neutral, and publicly accessible venue for political discussion and independent opinion-forming. Through events, exhibitions, school programmes, and guided tours, it brings democracy closer to citizens in a tangible way, exploring questions like: who is participating, how do issues reach the political agenda, and how do we decide together?
LOWERING BARRIERS TO POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
What makes Polit-Forum Bern distinctive is how it combines civic education, open dialogue, and free access to space in one permanent venue. School programmes like the "Demokratie-OL", guided tours from prison to Tower of Democracy, and free use of the premises for political events open the space to a wide range of actors and voices. The exhibition itself is not a fixed format but continuously developed through new ideas, contributions, and changing political questions, keeping the space relevant and responsive to real public debate and giving visibility to diverse and underrepresented voices.
A PERMANENT HOME FOR DEMOCRATIC CULTURE
In 2025, Polit-Forum Bern welcomed 20,000 visitors, organised 60 of its own events, and hosted 264 external events, reflecting sustained and growing demand for a neutral space for democratic debate. By strengthening political literacy, encouraging active citizenship, and fostering inclusive participation, the project builds a more resilient democratic culture. In a broader European context where democratic spaces are increasingly contested, Polit-Forum Bern demonstrates the value of a permanent, independent, and openly accessible infrastructure for democracy.
