Are you visiting Geneva in Switzerland on a business trip of for a holiday? Do you want to know what museums Geneva has to offer? Here we’ve provided an overview of the main museums and historical attractions in Geneva.
The Museum of Art History in Geneva
The Museum of Art History in Geneva houses the largest single art collection in all of Switzerland. The Museum is situated in the old town of Geneva. The Museum is huge and cannot be explored in its entirety in only one day so it’s best to decide exactly what you’d like to see, and set aside at least half a day from your time in Geneva to visit this museum. The Museum has exhibits spanning centuries from hundreds of different Swiss and European artists and really is a treasure and source of pride for Geneva and Switzerland. Opening hours in this museum are from 10am-5pm daily except Mondays and entrance to the public is free.
The Cathedral of St Pierre in Geneva
The Cathedral of St Pierre is the largest and oldest building of its kind in Geneva. The present structure dates back to the 17th century and is today open to the public for touring. The Cathedral houses all manner of religiously themed exhibits of specific historical interest to Geneva. Among the exhibits one can see while visiting this cathedral in Geneva is a chance to see the chair of the famous Christian reformist thinker Jean Calvin who lived and died in Geneva in the 16th century. Although the present day structure of the Cathedral in Geneva is only a few hundred years old, it was built upon the remains of several previous structures, the earliest of which dates back to when the Romans ruled Switzerland. There are currently ongoing archaeological excavations around the site of the Cathedral in Geneva, which can be visited at the same time. Those interested in religious themes will also enjoy the Swiss National Museum in Zurich.
The International Area of Geneva
The International Area of Geneva plays hosts to dozens of international organisations including the UN and the Red Cross who choose to base themselves in Switzerland because of its neutrality. The highlight of the international area in Geneva is the Palais Des Nations which was originally built in 1929 to be the head quarters of the League of Nations. Today, it serves as an administrative base for the UN in Geneva and is open to the public for guided tours. Be sure to take your passport along with you, as when you enter the building you are no longer in Switzerland, although still in Geneva!
