Archiv der Avantgarden: Research

The Archiv der Avantgarden – Egidio Marzona (ADA) houses a collection that, thanks to its unparalleled structure and content, provides an ideal basis for exploring the 20th century’s artistic vanguards and social utopias. Being an open research institution operating both locally and internationally, the ADA thrives as a center for scholarly inquiry and dialogue. Guest researchers, fellows, and artists engage in cross-disciplinary work supported by the ADA team and share their findings with the broader community. The ADA’s Study Center open to all allows for work in the archive. And there’s a regular slate of lectures and educational programs reflecting the collection that run parallel to the archive’s exhibitions.

The name Archiv der Avantgarden (Archive of the Avant-Gardes) captures the essence of the ADA’s collection, which was assembled by Egidio Marzona starting in the 1960s. Drawing inspiration from the book Die Kunstismen (“The Isms of Art,” 1925) by Hans Arp and El Lissitzky, and Aby Warburg’s concept of “good neighborhoods” and “serendipity”, Marzona has compiled a singular, non-hierarchical archive comprising hundreds of thousands of items. It consists of original works of art, architectural and design artifacts, books and posters, photographs, audiovisual materials, and archival documents. The latter, featuring original correspondence, notes, photos, and ephemera, have been meticulously classified by Marzona into an archive based on the isms of art as well as other categories such as film, dance, and music. Collectively, these items form an expansive cross-section of the 20th century’s avant-garde and utopian movements and the connections between them. The archive, known for its surprising breadth and depth and the core of the ADA, now serves as an important resource for scholarly and artistic research worldwide.

Structures and holdings of the ADA collection

In addition to individually acquired artworks, documents and books, the ADA’s holdings also include several sub-archives as well as the legacies and collections of notable artists and art scholars, such as:

Hans Bolliger (librarian, antiquarian)
Francesco Conz (collector, publicist)
Thomas Deecke (art historian)
Hans Eckstein (publicist, design theorist)
Birgit and Wilhelm Hein (experimental film directors)
Elisabeth Jappe (art critic, art historian)
Diethart Kerbs (art educator, cultural and photo historian)
Martin Rosz (artist)
Marie Stilkind (artist, alumna of Black Mountain College)
John Weber (gallerist)
Herta Wescher (art historian, journalist)

Researching and working in the ADA

There are two ways of conducting research and working in the Archiv der Avantgarden – Egidio Marzona: firstly, by utilizing the workstations set within the modular shelving system and consulting the reference library in our Study Centre; secondly, by directly accessing the ADA archive in one of our two Study Rooms. Detailed information about both options as well as the necessary forms and contact details for scheduling your visit can be found below.

Study Center

Embracing the ethos of an accessible archive, the Study Center regularly offers glimpses of selected items from the ADA collection, which is usually stored in our depository. It includes works spanning art, architecture, and design, along with related ephemera such as posters, manifestos, invitations, and original documents. Visitors are welcome to use the open access library with a reference section. Workstations are available for use at various times, with or without a prior appointment.

Opening hours and usage policy of the Study Center

For scheduled workstation use: Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To arrange a visit at the aforementioned times, please write to ada.archiv@skd.museum.

Without an appointment: Tuesday to Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The ADA is closed on Mondays.

Study Rooms

With advanced registration, a scheduled appointment, and a clear outline of your research objectives, you’re invited to delve into the ADA’s resources alongside our archivists in one of the two Study Rooms. Prior to your visit, you can explore the ADA’s archival boxes online via the Research Module. Our archivists will be happy to advise you with any inquiries about research requests and visiting the ADA.

To the Research Module