The Museum of Art and History in Geneva brings together more than 650,000 objects, from ancient archaeology to fine and applied arts. Opened in 1910 in the Tranchées district, it spreads over four levels, with its Egyptian collections a highlight.
Fine and applied arts museums
Main highlights
- Over 650,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of history, from Antiquity to the present day
- Egyptian archaeology with sarcophagi, mummies and a reconstructed tomb
- Geneva watchmaking displayed alongside ceramics, silverware and furniture
Overview
Opened in 1910, Geneva’s Museum of Art and History occupies a neoclassical building designed by architect Marc Camoletti. It houses one of Switzerland’s most important collections, with more than 650,000 objects across four levels.
Its holdings span 5,000 years of history, ranging from ancient archaeology to contemporary works, by way of fine and applied arts. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, often in partnership with international institutions.
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What to see and do
The archaeology department, in the basement, displays Egyptian sarcophagi, mummies and funerary objects. A reconstructed Egyptian tomb immerses visitors in Antiquity. Greek and Roman remains, from local excavations and acquisitions, round out the collection.
The upper floors are devoted to fine arts : European painting by Swiss, French, Italian and Flemish masters, including works by Konrad Witz, Ferdinand Hodler, Félix Vallotton and the Genevan primitives. Sculpture is represented from the Middle Ages to modern times.
The applied arts showcase craftsmanship through the centuries. Geneva watchmaking takes pride of place with watches and clocks, alongside ceramics, silverware, textiles and furniture.
Practical information
Getting there : the museum is in the Tranchées district, close to the city centre. Tram 12 and 18, Rath stop, or buses 1, 3, 5, 7 and 25.
Visit duration : allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the main collections.
Visitors : family activities and educational workshops for children.
On site : shop, café, multilingual audio guide and guided tours in French, English and German.
Visiting tips
Start with the department that interests you most : archaeology in the basement, fine arts upstairs. A themed guided tour helps you spot the masterpieces. With children, follow the trails designed for them.
This place is part of the selection Geneva, between lakes, mountains and cosmopolitanism.
Nearby
- The Reformation Wall, in the Parc des Bastions, honours the leading figures of the Protestant Reformation.
- The Barbier-Mueller Museum, in the Old Town, presents a private collection of art from every continent.
- The Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, an Orthodox church in Neo-Russian style, was built between 1863 and 1866.
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