Philippe and Elvire Braunschweig
The Philippe and Elvire Braunschweig Collection bears witness to the extraordinary dedication of a couple who significantly shaped the development of dance in Switzerland and internationally.
Philippe Braunschweig (1920–1993), a prominent figure in the watchmaking industry in La Chaux-de-Fonds, is primarily known for his crucial role in promoting dance. As a visionary entrepreneur and dedicated patron, he initiated, among other things, the Prix de Lausanne, founded in 1973, which is now one of the most prestigious competitions for young dancers worldwide. Furthermore, he played a key role in Maurice Béjart's establishment in Lausanne, thereby helping to make Switzerland an important centre for choreographic creation.
Alongside Philippe Braunschweig, his wife Elvire Braunschweig was an indispensable partner: a source of inspiration and a dedicated co-creator of their joint projects. Together, they supported numerous initiatives for the benefit of dance, promoted international exchange, and enabled new generations of artists to take to the stage.
The Philippe and Elvire Braunschweig collection, preserved by SAPA, is characterised by its diversity and coherence. It comprehensively documents the couple's professional, cultural, and philanthropic activities. The collection includes text documents such as correspondence, project files, and notes, photographs, programmes, and an impressive collection of press clippings, which have been individually indexed. Overall, it offers valuable insights into the networks, collaborations, and dynamics that shaped the choreographic landscape of the second half of the 20th century.
Spanning 32 linear meters and boasting high-quality content, this collection serves as an exceptional resource for researching dance history, as well as for examining the relationships between patronage, industry, and artistic creation. It highlights the lasting impact of the Braunschweig couple's dedication on the structuring and dissemination of dance in Switzerland and far beyond.
The collection is also closely connected with other collections preserved at SAPA, particularly with the Prix de Lausanne and Danse Transition collections. These complementary collections allow for a comprehensive understanding of their influence and enable their work to be placed within a broader history of the performing arts.
- Prix de Lausanne Subcollection: Organizational documents, correspondence, promotional materials, posters, photographs, press articles, and objects (1972–2010).
- Subcollection: Fondation en Faveur de l’Art Chorégraphique: Organizational documents and correspondence (1969–1997).
- Subcollection: Training for Dance Professions: Organizational Documents and Correspondence (1985–2006).
- Subcollection: Promotion of Dance and the Dance Profession: Organizational Documents and Correspondence (1972–2010).
- Subcollection: Career Reorientation for Dancers ( 1977–2010).
- Part of the collection of Ballet du XXe siècle and Béjart Ballet Lausanne ( 1946–2008).
- Sub-colletion Press Clippings (1946–2008).
- Private Collection: personal documents, personal photographs, the Elvire Braunschweig archive, postcards sent to the couple (ca. 1935–2010).