Housed in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s birthplace at 40 Grand-Rue, the Maison Rousseau et Littérature presents the life and ideas of the Genevan philosopher. It also hosts exhibitions and debates devoted to literature and to writers past and present.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- Rousseau’s birthplace, at 40 Grand-Rue, in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town
- Multimedia Rousseau Tour combining texts, films, photographs and musical pieces
- A venue for literary debate with a room dedicated to temporary exhibitions and talks
Overview
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712. A humanist, philosopher, writer and musician, he described himself as a “citizen of Geneva”. His birthplace, at 40 Grand-Rue in the Old Town, is now open to the public.
The Maison Rousseau et Littérature offers an introduction to the philosopher’s legacy and explores the place of his thinking in today’s society. It is also dedicated to belles-lettres, the exchange of ideas and literary encounters.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
The Rousseau Tour lies at the heart of the house. Texts, films, photographs, images and musical pieces present the philosopher’s life and work, with synchronised sound and images.
The tour sets Rousseau’s ideas against today’s issues : education, nature and the environment, secularism, happiness and citizenship. You can follow how his thinking continues to inform contemporary debates.
The Salle Plurielle hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events focusing on literature in all its forms and on contemporary authors. The visit is also a chance to discover a Grand-Rue residence typical of 18th-century Genevan architecture.
Practical information
Getting there : buses 3, 5 and 20 to the Place de Neuve stop, 400 m away, or numerous bus and tram lines to the Bel-Air stop.
Visit duration : allow at least one hour for the tour and exhibition spaces.
On site : headphones available at reception for the films, e-readers with German and English translations of the tour, toilets on the third floor.
Visitor tips
Borrow headphones at reception to follow the films on the tour. If you are more comfortable reading German or English, ask for an e-reader with the translated texts.
Philosophy and literature lovers can extend their visit by attending the debates and talks organised by the Maison : check the programme on its official website.
Nearby
- The Reformation Wall, in the Parc des Bastions, pays tribute to the great figures of the Protestant Reformation.
- The Maison Tavel, Geneva’s oldest private house, is home to the Museum of Urban History and Everyday Life.
- The Archaeological Site of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva displays remains of churches dating back to the late 4th century.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place