International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge

This powerful museum documents the history and humanitarian work of the Red Cross organization with interactive exhibits and moving testimonies. It provides profound insight into global humanitarian efforts and Geneva's pivotal role in international aid and conflict relief.

Things to do

• Explore the Red Cross Heritage Collection — View original documents, photographs, and artifacts spanning the organization's 160-year history, including Henry Dunant's founding correspondence and wartime medical records.
• Experience Interactive Humanitarian Simulations — Participate in hands-on exhibits that simulate decision-making during humanitarian crises, allowing visitors to understand the ethical dilemmas faced by aid workers.
• Watch Documentary Testimonies — View powerful video testimonies from survivors of conflicts and natural disasters, as well as accounts from Red Cross volunteers who witnessed humanitarian emergencies firsthand.
• Tour the Museum Building's Architecture — Walk through the striking modern structure designed by architect Michel Membran, which symbolizes the organization's contemporary mission through its open, transparent design.
• Visit the Red Cross Bookshop — Browse publications on humanitarian law, conflict resolution, and Red Cross history, offering deeper context for your museum experience.
• Attend a Guided Thematic Tour — Join an expert-led tour focusing on specific topics such as conflict zones, refugee crises, or the organization's pandemic response efforts.

Food to try

• Swiss Fondue — Melted Emmental and Gruyère cheese served with bread cubes and white wine, a quintessential Geneva dining experience available at nearby traditional restaurants.
• Raclette — Melted cheese scraped onto a plate and served with potatoes, cured meats, and pickled vegetables, a warming Alpine dish reflecting Geneva's proximity to Swiss mountain culture.
• Café au Lait and Croissants — Enjoy authentic French-style breakfast at local Geneva cafés with a large bowl of coffee and butter croissants before or after your museum visit.
• Geneva Salad (Salade Genevoise) — A light salad combining local greens, hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies, popular at casual lunch spots near the museum area.
• Perch Fillets from Lake Geneva — Fresh freshwater fish caught from Lac Léman, delicately prepared and served at restaurants throughout the city during seasonal availability.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Quiet Reflection Spaces — The museum contains memorials and exhibits about human suffering; observe silence in designated areas and avoid loud conversations out of respect for the solemn nature of the content.
• Allow Ample Time for Visits — Plan at least 2 to 3 hours to fully absorb the interactive exhibits and testimonies, as this is a contemplative museum rather than a quick-tour destination.
• Learn About Geneva's Humanitarian Legacy — Understand that Geneva hosts the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters, and numerous NGOs, making it the global center for humanitarian work and international diplomacy.
• Check Exhibition Schedules in Advance — Temporary exhibitions rotate frequently; consult the museum's website before visiting to ensure you see displays most relevant to your interests.