Zirkusquartier 2026

The “Verein Zirkusquartier Zürich” has been working for several years on the planning and financing of an appropriate infrastructure for circus arts: the spatial program includes an event hall, course hall, rehearsal room as well as storage, office, changing rooms and toilets. Shared use of other rooms together with the future residents (foyer, common room, workshops, guest rooms) will create a versatile, open cultural venue for everyone – at a location that has so far been poorly developed culturally (Zurich Altstetten/Albisrieden, Limmattal). Here, Zirkusquartier will also perform an important role in cooperation with the neighborhood.

Current status

The ZQ2026 project is currently in the financing phase. Donations or tips are very welcome – send messages directly to Matthias Schoch, who is in charge of the project. Due to the close cooperation with the overall project, the planning already has a high level of detail. The expansion, for which the Zirkusquartier association is responsible, will begin at the end of 2024.

Project

The future building of the Kraftwerk1 cooperative is located on Flüelastrasse (sub-area C) and borders the new “Koch Park”.

The following extensions and facilities are planned for Zirkusquartier:

• Event hall
  Playing area 10x10m, height 7m. Wooden theater floor (black box), partially flexible spectator stand, seating for 80-150 spectators (10 wheelchair spaces), wireless hearing assistance. Ceiling: Technical stage suspension points separate from artistic suspension points (1.5t per point). Floor: 16 anchor points loadable up to 2.5t. Light and sound equipment.
• Course hall
  7.5×11.5m area, height 7m. Ecological sports hall floor, raw concrete walls. Flexible ceiling rigging for various artistic equipment, ten floor anchors (for tightrope walking etc.). Equipment for aerial silks, aerial rope, trapeze, trampoline, teeter board, acrobatics… Basic lighting and sound system.
• Rehearsal room
  ^90m2, height 2.9m, dance floor and dance mirror. Blackout, basic lighting and sound system.
• Additional rooms
  Storage rooms (^36m2), checkrooms and toilets in the basement. Office (^54m2) on the 2nd floor.
• Shared uses
  Foyer and desk (main entrance for residents and visitors, theater box office, info point and access for course participants) as well as workshops and “Sala Comun” (large multi-purpose room) in cooperation with the future settlement organization and rentable guest rooms on the 2nd floor for artists in residence.
• Outdoor space
  Grün Stadt Zürich is creating a column-free covered outdoor space (new construction of the northern part of the coal storage hall). This is unique in Zurich and particularly suitable for open-air spectacles and street art. It can be used as a public square for festivals or similar events.