Seascape painting with fishermen on the shore by Théodore Géricault

Musée D’Art Et D’Histoire De Genève

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Genève: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Genève (MAH) is a central pillar of Swiss cultural heritage, renowned for its extensive collections spanning art, archaeology, and applied arts. Since its founding in 1910, the museum has embodied Geneva’s dedication to preserving and showcasing the city’s artistic and historical legacy. Housed in a neoclassical building designed by Marc Camoletti, the MAH not only reflects the city’s evolution but also stands as a beacon for cultural preservation, research, and education (visitamuseum.info; geneve.com).

This guide provides detailed and practical information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, collections, guided tours, and nearby attractions, ensuring your visit to the MAH is both enriching and seamless.

History and Architectural Significance
Expansion and Institutional Development
Collections: Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Archaeology
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Guided Tours, Workshops, and Special Events
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
References

History and Architectural Significance

Origins and Founding Vision

The roots of the MAH trace back to the late 18th century with the establishment of the Société des Arts in 1774. This laid the foundation for Geneva’s cultural aspirations. After the National Exhibition of 1897 highlighted the need to unify the city’s disparate collections, local authorities initiated the “Grand Musée” project. The aim: to present archaeological, fine arts, and applied arts collections under one roof for public enjoyment and scholarly access (visitamuseum.info; geneve.com).

Architectural Development

The museum’s neoclassical edifice, completed in 1910 by architect Marc Camoletti, was built on the historic Casemates site. The building’s grandeur symbolizes Geneva’s transformation from a fortified town to a cosmopolitan center of culture (geneve.ch).

Expansion and Institutional Development

As MAH’s collection grew, the institution expanded to include several specialized branches:

Bibliothèque d’Art et d’Archéologie (1928): Houses research materials and rare volumes.
Cabinet d’Arts Graphiques (1952): Dedicated to graphic arts and prints.
Maison Tavel (1986): Focuses on Geneva’s urban history and daily life.
Musée Rath: Venue for major temporary exhibitions, affiliated with the MAH (geneve.ch).

In 1973, the MAH established Switzerland’s first museum research laboratory and restoration workshops, reinforcing its leadership in preservation and conservation.

Collections: Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Archaeology

The MAH is home to approximately 650,000 objects, with its collections among the most comprehensive in Switzerland:

Fine Arts

Masterpieces by Swiss artists such as Konrad Witz, Ferdinand Hodler, Jean-Étienne Liotard, and Félix Vallotton.
Works by international figures including Rodin, Cézanne, Renoir, Modigliani, and Giacometti.
A chronological journey from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, encompassing paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts.

Applied Arts

Furniture, textiles, musical instruments, arms and armor, jewelry, and Geneva’s renowned watchmaking artifacts.
Byzantine icons and decorative objects reflect Geneva’s craftsmanship and luxury trades.

Archaeology

Artifacts from Geneva’s prehistory, ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the broader Mediterranean.
Highlights include mummies, coins, statues, and ceramics, many from local excavations (visitamuseum.info; museu.ms).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursdays: Extended hours until 9:00 pm
Closed on Mondays and select public holidays (mahmah.ch)

Tickets and Admission

Permanent Collections: Free entry for all visitors (myswitzerland.com)
Temporary Exhibitions: Paid admission; prices vary by exhibition. Discounts for students, seniors, and residents. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site (mahmah.ch).

Accessibility

Step-free access, elevators, adapted toilets, tactile tours for visually impaired, and French Sign Language (LSF) video guides with subtitles.
Multilingual staff, maps, and assistance available at the information desk (mahmah.ch).

Guided Tours, Workshops, and Special Events

Guided Tours: Offered in French and English, including general and thematic options. Group tours (5–25 people) can be reserved in advance (mahmah.ch).
Audioguides: Available in multiple languages for a nominal fee.
Workshops: Creative sessions for families and children, interactive trails, and sensory experiences.
Special Events: Temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and afterwork gatherings. See the agenda for current listings.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Central Location: Rue Charles-Galland 2, near Geneva’s Old Town, Maison Tavel, Musée Rath, St. Pierre Cathedral, and the Jet d’Eau.
Public Transport: Easily accessible via tram and bus (Place Neuve, Rive). For details, see Geneva Public Transport (TPG).
Parking: Limited paid parking nearby; bike racks available.

Practical Visitor Tips

Arrive Early: For quieter galleries, especially on weekends.
Photography: Allowed in permanent collections without flash; restrictions may apply for temporary exhibitions.
Cloakroom and Lockers: Complimentary for coats and bags; large luggage not permitted in galleries.
Museum Shop and Café: Books, gifts, and refreshments available on-site.
Family Visits: Take advantage of workshops and interactive activities.
Accessibility: Contact in advance for specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the MAH visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 am–6:00 pm; Thursdays until 9:00 pm; closed Mondays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, permanent collections are free. Temporary exhibitions require a ticket.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, in both French and English; audioguides also offered.

Q: Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with adapted facilities and services.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-flash photography permitted in permanent collections; check signs for temporary exhibitions.

Q: How do I reach the museum?
A: By tram or bus to Place Neuve/Rive stops; parking available nearby.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Genève is a cornerstone of Swiss and European culture, offering free access to world-class collections and a rich program of exhibitions and events. Its commitment to inclusivity, education, and public engagement ensures a rewarding experience for all visitors. Whether you are passionate about art, history, or simply exploring Geneva, the MAH is an essential destination that bridges past and present, local and global narratives.

Stay connected through the official website, download the Audiala app for enhanced tours, and explore related Geneva historical sites for a complete cultural itinerary.