Zug's Kirsch-Depot under discussion

The Audit Committee of the Canton of Zug supports the idea of the Zug "Kirsch-Depot" - but criticised the heavy public funding that is necessary. It is now calling for more private funding and a revision of the subsidy agreement.
 

The Audit Committee of the City of Zug (GPK: Geschäftsprüfungskommission) has examined the "Kirsch-Depot” (Cherry Depot) project on the Aegeristrasse (see below), and has now submitted its report. The project by the " Zuger Kirschwasser Gesellschaft” (Zug Cherry Liquor Society) was generally well-received, and was considered to be a compelling concept with exhibits of a high quality. But the GPK expressed reservations, particularly regarding the financing. In addition to a one-time grant of CHF 100,000 for setting up the exhibition and a one-time grant of CHF 50,000 for operational preparations, a recurring annual operating grant of CHF 134,000 has been requested from 2029 to 2031.

The Audit Committee (GPK) objected to the fact that approximately 80% of the amount is to be provided from public funds. It thereby emphasised that the collection is privately owned, and does not belong to the city. In the light of this, the GPK sees a risk of permanent funding, which could set a precedent: other private collections could also claim similar support.

The Audit Committee therefore proposed increased private funding, and a higher self-financing rate for the project. Furthermore, it suggests transferring the ownership of the collection to the society by 2030, and only extending the city subsidy until 2030 (instead of 2031). Opinions within the GPK were divided, and, following a tie-breaking vote cast by the president, it was ultimately decided to refer the proposal back to the City Council and to revise the subsidy agreement.

The Zug " Kirsch-Depot" is to be established in the shed at Aegeristrasse 40, which was built in 1884
Photo: Andreas Busslinger

A beneficial and socially relevant project
An enquiry to the society revealed that a reduction in the subsidy period by one year would not pose a problem in principle. "It could even be an advantage, as any necessary adjustments to the concept could be discussed after a shorter operating period," notes society secretary Ueli Kleeb. Furthermore, a transfer of the collection to the society is quite conceivable, he continued. "For the future, it even makes sense for the 'culturally and historically significant' collection to remain in the Kirsch Depot, but to be integrated as part of the historical collection of the Canton of Zug." But it must be understood that a donation also entails the assumption of certain obligations.

Ueli Kleeb and treasurer Caroline Lötscher remain convinced that the Kirsch Depot is something "beneficial and socially enriching for the people of Zug", and also for all the Zug clubs that would use the premises. It's fortunate that there's a sponsoring society for this project that's so committed. The society is to be gradually expanded, the patronage committee enlarged and neighbourly relations strengthened. The operating concept will also be further developed and refined before the opening. "But we're hoping for clear approval from parliament before we can proceed," conclude Ueli Kleeb and Caroline Lötscher.

What it’s all about
The so-called “Kirsch-Depot” project aims to make the 400-year-old tradition of Kirsch (cherry liquor) distilling visible and tangible in the canton of Zug. It will be housed in the historic shed building at Ägeristrasse 40, the last remaining distillery building in the city. The building will thereby undergo extensive renovation, and be transformed into a curated exhibition space and centre of expertise dedicated to the history of Zug Kirsch, according to the plan.

The Zuger Kirschwasser Gesellschaft is driving the project forward: in recent years, they have already collected around 200 large objects and over 11,000 images and documents. The depot is not intended to be a traditional museum, but rather a space for guided tours and events, and could also be used as a meeting place. The City of Zug plans to invest approximately CHF 3.5 million in the project, with the opening scheduled for the end of 2028.