The Federal Commission for the Protection of Cultural Property (FCPCP) is an extra-parliamentary advisory commission. It is responsible for all matters relating to the protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, museum collections, as well as archive and library holdings in the event of armed conflict, disaster, or emergency.

The FCPCP

• advises the departments on fundamental questions relating to the protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, museum collections, and archive and library holdings
• participates in the implementation of the Federal Act on the Protection of Cultural Property during Armed Conflicts, Disasters and Emergencies (PCPA) and its Ordinance (PCPO)
• contributes to the updating of the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National and Regional Importance
• promotes research and monitors new developments in the field of the protection of cultural property
• collaborates with all interested parties and maintains scientific exchanges.

The Federal Council (Swiss Government) appoints the fifteen members of the FCPCP for a four-year period. The total term of office is limited to twelve years. The FCPCP is independent of the federal administration and politics, and issues opinions, statements, and recommendations. It is an instrument of participatory democracy.

The FCPCP meets twice a year in plenary session, while expert groups convene in the intervening time to work on the tasks at hand. The Section for the Protection of Cultural Property at the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) is responsible for the management and secretariat of the FCPCP.