Gemeindehaus

The Town Hall in Herisau (Gemeindehaus) sits on Poststrasse in the capital of the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. It is a classicist building from the late 19th century that still houses municipal administration, and it makes an easy stop on a walk through the town centre.

What is the Herisau town hall?

Construction ran from 1876 to 1879. Wikidata describes it as an administration and assembly building on Poststrasse. It went up just as Herisau became the de facto cantonal seat, so it served several purposes from the start. Cantonal bodies moved in once it was finished: the government and administration took rooms inside. The forestry office left in 1883, and in 1889 the state archive moved into the basement, space the municipality provided free of charge. The canton opened its own council chamber only in 1914, in a new building on the Obstmarkt.

What will you see?

The main feature is a double portal modelled on a triumphal arch. Inside, the first-floor council chamber contains stained-glass panels with coats of arms. Entry to the chamber depends on the administration, but the facade and portal can be admired from the street.

The Poststrasse area reflects the modern, liberal mood of its day. The post office building of 1902 stands next to the town hall. Nearby is the former arsenal (Altes Zeughaus), built 1836-1838 to designs by Felix Wilhelm Kubly.

Is this the same building as the museum?

No. Herisau also has an old town hall dating from 1828, a three-storey timber-frame building in classicist style. Its ground floor is an open hall once used for the cheese trade. From 1828 to 1877 the cantonal Grand Council and the town council met there. Today it holds the Museum Herisau. An even earlier town hall was built in 1601. When planning a visit, keep in mind there are two buildings: the administrative one on Poststrasse and the museum in the old town hall.

How do you get there?

Herisau lies in north-eastern Switzerland, close to St. Gallen. The town hall is within walking distance of the centre, and Poststrasse connects to the main streets of the old town. The coordinates are 47.38508 N, 9.27784 E. Park or arrive by train, then continue on foot and combine the visit with the Obstmarkt and the Reformed church of St. Laurence.

When should you visit?

You can view the exterior all year. The facade photographs best on clear days, and the street is calmer during office hours outside the lunch break. For a fuller picture of local history, add a visit to the museum in the old town hall.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Herisau town hall built?

The administrative building on Poststrasse dates from 1876 to 1879. The older building, now a museum, dates from 1828.

What style is the building?

Classicist. Its double portal in the form of a triumphal arch is the standout detail.

Did the canton's authorities use the building?

Yes. After completion the canton used it: the forestry office until 1883 and the state archive in the basement from 1889. The canton opened its own council chamber in 1914.

Where can you see the old town hall?

The former town hall of 1828 houses the Museum Herisau, in the town centre.