Polish Institute to Sell Swiss Hotel Amidst Project Revisions

The Polish Institute of National Remembrance (Instytut Pileckiego) is reorganizing its operations and preparing to sell the Szwanen hotel in Switzerland, a property acquired in 2022 with significant financial backing from the Polish Ministry of Culture.

“

The company is in the process of reorganization and preparation for the sale of the Szwanen hotel and withdrawal from operations.

Hubert G. Zamaro, director of the Swiss subsidiary Pilecki-Institut Schweiz, stated that the company is undergoing reorganization and preparing for the sale of the hotel. The Szwanen is described as an unusual property, with some elements dating back to the 13th-14th centuries, though its registered construction year is 1589. It features 25 rooms, a ballroom with lake and Alpine views, space for restaurants, bars, gardens, and parking.

The hotel was purchased for 24.6 million Swiss francs, with the initial plan to house the Polish Museum from Rapperswil, which had lost its previous location. Concurrently, the Swiss branch of the Institute of National Remembrance was intended to conduct exhibition activities promoting Polish culture and history. A condition set by the Swiss municipality of Jona upon approving the transaction was the maintenance of the hotel's gastronomic and hospitality functions, as it is situated in a prominent lakeside area.

“

It is an unusual property, as some of its elements date from the 13th-14th century, although the construction year entered in the register is 1589.

However, the project faced setbacks. Both the Polish Museum and Polish authorities withdrew from the plan. In October 2024, the Ministry of Culture canceled a letter of intent with the museum. Sources suggest the property may have been overvalued at the time of purchase. The current Minister of Culture, Marta Cienkowska, stated that an analysis of documentation and business potential led to the conclusion that the institute should not continue its activities at the Szwanen hotel and that it should be sold.

“

Based on it, we come to the conclusion that it should not continue its activities at the Szwanen Hotel in Rapperswil.

Despite the ministry's directive, some PiS politicians have criticized the decision. The Institute is now exploring market options for the sale, though no final decisions have been made. One possibility includes finding an operator to manage the property alongside its sale. The municipality of Jona holds pre-emption rights but lacks the financial capacity for such a costly investment, leading the Swiss company to seek commercial buyers, currently without success.

“

We are exploring the market for sale, but no binding decisions have been made.