In a switching center having input and output lines, a switching matrix includes primary switching elements, bus structures for respectively connecting one subset of input lines to the primary switching elements, and at least three assemblies each having some of the primary switching elements and at least one output interface. The primary switching elements are supported by a common supporting element and are connected on their input side to the subset of input lines by a same common bus structure. The interface input side is connected to primary switching elements of at least two of the assemblies connected to different subsets of input lines. The output interfaces are respectively disposed at the assemblies between the primary switching elements and a subset of output lines. Each of the assemblies has one of the output interfaces connected on its input side to primary switching elements of at least two of the assemblies.