Museum of Art and History

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire

Switzerland's largest art museum houses an impressive collection spanning Egyptian antiquities, medieval art, and contemporary works in a beautifully restored Belle Époque building. Its diverse galleries offer something for every taste and provide deep cultural enrichment.

Things to do

• Explore Egyptian Antiquities — View the museum's renowned collection of mummies, sarcophagi, and hieroglyphic artifacts spanning from the Old Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period.
• Medieval Art Wing — Discover illuminated manuscripts, religious sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages housed in the museum's beautifully restored galleries.
• Contemporary Art Collections — See modern and contemporary works including pieces by Geneva-based and Swiss artists displayed alongside international masters.
• Belle Époque Architecture Tour — Admire the museum building itself, a stunning example of late 19th-century architecture with ornate details, grand staircases, and restored period features.
• Decorative Arts and Design Gallery — Browse Swiss and European furniture, ceramics, glassware, and applied arts that showcase craftsmanship from various periods.
• Numismatic and Medal Collection — Examine rare coins, medals, and monetary artifacts from ancient times to the modern era in the museum's specialized collection rooms.

Food to try

• Fondue Savoyarde — A classic Swiss alpine cheese dish of melted Emmental and Gruyère served in a shared pot, perfect for warming up after museum hours.
• Geneva-style Raclette — Melted cheese scraped onto bread or potatoes, a Savoyard specialty readily available in nearby Old Town restaurants.
• Tarte aux Fruits — A local pastry shop staple featuring fresh seasonal fruits atop pastry cream, commonly enjoyed at nearby Rue du Marché vendors.
• Chocolats Genevois — Geneva's world-famous artisanal chocolates and pralines from renowned makers like Lindt and Godiva, reflecting the city's chocolate heritage.
• Filets de Perch — Lake Geneva fish prepared simply with local herbs, a regional specialty found in nearby brasseries along Rue de Candolle.

Local customs & good to know

• Museum Hours and Planning — The museum is closed Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday; arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and allow 2-3 hours minimum for meaningful exploration.
• Photography Policies — Flash photography is generally prohibited in permanent collections, and some temporary exhibitions restrict all photography; always check signage and ask staff.
• Multilingual Context — As Geneva is multilingual (French, German, English), audio guides and exhibitions are typically available in multiple languages, making it accessible to international visitors.
• Free Entry Policy — Permanent collections are free to enter on the first Saturday of each month, reflecting Geneva's commitment to cultural accessibility.