Schokoladenplatz 1 at the halfway stage – Lindt Home of Chocolate celebrates the completion of phase one

Swiss chocolate enjoys a global reputation and has become an integral part of Switzerland’s national identity. This is due in no small part to the tireless efforts of the Swiss chocolate pioneers and the constant stream of innovations within the industry. An equally grand vision was needed to ensure this momentum is sustained in future and Swiss expertise continues to grow and develop. The new Lindt Home of Chocolate, which is being financed and realized by the Lindt Chocolate Competence Foundation, is now turning this vision into reality. But this flagship project signals much more than that: the start of a new era for the entire Swiss chocolate industry.

There has been great progress during the 626 days of construction work since the groundbreaking ceremony in January 2017: in all weather conditions – sun, wind, rain and snow – the builders worked extremely hard to keep to the tight construction schedule. Just one year after the ceremony to lay the foundation stone in September 2017, the shell of the building was completed and stood at the specified height of 20 meters. Around 2,500 tons of steel and 16,600 cubic meters of concrete were used in this construction phase and the interior of the building was supported by more than 1,400 sturdy timber braces.

Another milestone was celebrated in September 2018 with a “topping-out” ceremony. More than 250 workers, tradesmen, planners, etc. involved in the project came along to the shell of the Lindt Home of Chocolate building to toast the successful work to date.

The second phase now involves fitting out the interior of the building. When it opens in 2020, the Lindt Home of Chocolate will offer Swiss and international visitors a multimedia and interactive exhibition, a demonstration of chocolate production and the world’s biggest Chocolate Shop, a Café and a Chocolateria hosting classes in how to make chocolate. One special highlight will be the over nine meters high chocolate fountain. This will be displayed in the main entrance hall and will of course use real chocolate. Every year, over 350,000 guests are expected to make the pilgrimage to a unique chocolate experience at the new address “Schokoladenplatz 1”.