Museum of Art and History

Geneva, Switzerland

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire (Museum of Art and History) is the largest art museum in Geneva. It was built by the architect Marc Camoletti between 1903 and 1910, and financed by a bequest from the banker Charles Galland (1816–1901).

The façade is decorated with sculptures by Paul Amlehn: an allegory of the arts, depicting painting, sculpture, drawing and architecture, is mounted on the triangular gable above the entrance, and two more allegories, of archaeology and applied art, can be seen in the left- and right-hand corners of the building respectively.

The fine art section has paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with works by the Italian, Dutch, French, English, Genevan and Swiss Schools. The best-known painting is The Miraculous Draught of Fishes (1444) by Konrad Witz, contained in Witz's St. Peter Altarpiece. Other major artists include Rembrandt, Cézanne, Modigliani, and the sculptor Rodin. The museum also has numerous works by Jean-Étienne Liotard, Ferdinand Hodler, Félix Vallotton and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.

The applied art section has collections of Byzantine art, icons, weapons from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, silverware and tinware, musical instruments and textiles. The complete interior furnishing and wood panelling from several rooms of the Lower Castle Zizers (late 17th century) have been built into the museum.

The archaeology section displays findings from European prehistory, ancient Egypt (with a mummy from the 9th century BC), the Kerma culture of Sudan, the Near East, ancient Greece, and Roman and pre-Roman Italy, as well as a numismatic cabinet.

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Details

Founded: 1903
Category: Museums in Switzerland

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Collins (6 months ago)
The art museum in Geneva captivates with its stunning architecture, offering an extensive collection of artworks in a serene and inviting ambiance. Its unique 'pay as you like' admission system highlights its dedication to making art accessible to all, ensuring a welcoming experience for everyone. Visitors can easily spend several hours exploring the diverse range of art pieces, from classical to contemporary, each displayed to encourage deep personal engagement. This cultural hub stands out not just for its artistic offerings, but also for the overall environment fostered by its helpful and knowledgeable staff. It's more than a museum; it's an immersive cultural experience that resonates with guests long after their visit, proving to be a must-visit destination for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Aline Desiree (7 months ago)
Very lovely and interesting museum. The entry is technically speaking free, on the basis of paying how much you think it is worth. The pieces placement is done in a different way, which I really appreciate. Overall, it was a great experience.
Silvia Ninova (7 months ago)
Enormous museum, it should be free but in the main entrance, we received tickets and we were asking directly for donations. There are a lot of security, specially in the art section. They have real surcoufag of mummy MUSÉE D'ART ET D'HISTOIRE Of a multidisciplinary nature, the institutions constituting the Geneva Musées d’Art et d’Histoire extend an invitation to take a voyage back through time, punctuated by the important stages in the history of Western civilization. At the heart of this network lies the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, which with its archaeological, applied arts and fine arts collections is present at two other venues as well: the Musée Rath and the Maison Tavel. Inaugurated in 1910, it is one of the three largest museums in Switzerland and the only one with such a wide range of collections. This museum greets you in the following languages: D/F/E Opening 1910.
Kat J (7 months ago)
This museum is free to visit which is absolutely a bonus. It is a gorgeous building that is carefully organized. The architecture is fantastic. The only downfall is the lack of English explanations and there is no famous artists work displayed at this museum.
Lidia (8 months ago)
Gorgeous art museum! I truly enjoyed this museum and the building is stunning inside out! There are various floors with art pieces, sculptures and other objects. It was also not too many people there so we got to fully enjoy each piece in peace. I also think their business idea of letting the museum be free is kind and smart. You are able to pay as little or as much as you want to when exiting.
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Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.