The main buildings of the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen were built as a brewery in 1889/90. The striking brick façades in the so-called "little castle style" are typical of the industrial buildings of the Belle Époque.

However, as early as 1913, the main building was converted into a Mühle , while the building opposite served as a cold store. The Wehrli family operated the Mühle for decades until it was shut down at the end of 1983. It was one of the last mills to grind flour using a vertical group drive mechanism - a system that was widely used before the introduction of the single electric drive.

The closure of the Mühle raised the question of the future of the site. In a contract with the city of Zurich, it was agreed that some of the buildings would be protected. However, the Wehrli family decided to preserve almost the entire historic structure or to reconstruct it true to the original.

The renowned architect Pierre Zoelly was commissioned with the redesign. His concept combined old and new buildings in an exciting mix. The aim was to preserve the existing architecture and stylishly complement it with modern elements.

The redesign of the area followed clearly defined objectives:

✔ Diverse usage options for working, living and culture
✔ Open meeting zones for the public
✔ Harmonious combination of historical and modern architecture

These visions were successfully implemented in close collaboration with the future tenants. Today, Mühle Tiefenbrunnen is a traffic-free, vibrant meeting place where people come to linger, eat, train, shop or attend cultural events.

Today, around 150 people work in the offices, studios and stores on the site. Several hundred people visit Mühle Tiefenbrunnen every day, whether for cultural events, culinary experiences and much more. 

The highlights of our cultural area include:

• Millers Theater - cabaret, drag, spoken word, burlesque, music and much more at Millers

• Museum Mühlerama - the museum for nutrition and food culture that keeps the history of the Mühle alive (flour is still milled there today)

• Restaurant Blaue Ente - our neighborhood restaurant with lots of charm, seasonal cuisine and exquisite wines

• Café Kornsilo - the friendly neighborhood pub in Kreis 8, where you can meet for coffee, cake or lunch.

• Health & exercise - for exercise and creative development there is an Activ Fitness, a dance school, Pilates and training facilities on the site.

• Stores & manufactories - from design to craftsmanship

The lofts, apartments and offices on the site are now sought-after properties that combine urban flair with historical charm.

Mühle Tiefenbrunnen has reinvented itself time and again over the decades - and remains a lively and inspiring place. Whether as the home of a creative cultural scene, a meeting place for connoisseurs or a neighborhood hotspot: the cultural area combines history with modernity and offers space for encounters, ideas and experiences.

Visit the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen and immerse yourself in its unique history!