The Swiss guest centers will open its doors in both cities a full week before the Olympic Games get underway - on February 5th, 2010 - so as to make its mark as a key Olympic hot spot during the lead up to the Games themselves.

The tradition of a Swiss guest cener dates back to 1998, when the House of Switzerland celebrated its inaugural event at the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.

The House of Switzerland is project managed by Presence Switzerland, part of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and acts as a meeting point and social hub for the Swiss Olympic team, its sponsors, and partners. It is also used for receptions, media conferences, client events, and medal celebrations.

It is one of the few national guest centers at the Olympic Games open to the public, and is intended for a wide local and international audience.