In 1963, the idea of building a modern infrastructure dedicated to congresses and concerts was launched by Mr. Alfred Vogelsang, the current Syndic.
The main objectives of this project were to perpetuate Montreux's tourist activity by responding to the growing demand of congress organisers and to host the International Television Symposium in better conditions.
On November 1, 1971, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Convention Centre (now Building A) took place under the watchful eye of the region's economic players (hoteliers, restaurateurs and shopkeepers). The construction site, which will last 18 months, is forbidden to smokers, as the site has been polluted by the gas station located nearby.
In an interview, the architect, Mr. Jean-Marc Lamunière, explained that he did not want to create a palace but a building that is functional and versatile, adapted to the multiple requirements of the various events. "The challenge has been met, the architects have responded to the specifications and succeeded in their mission to create a working tool and not a palace," says Mr Jaussi, director of the Tourist Office. As Mr Lamunière explains, the building was built for a period of 30 years. "It is accepted that in 25 years it will have to be demolished and another, more suitable building built.
In April 1973, after a year and a half of work, the building, described by Mr. Jean-Jacques Cevey, the new syndic in office, as "the House of all Montreusians" was inaugurated.
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