Collections Baur
8, rue Munier-Romilly, Geneva, Switzerland
From samurai swords to celadon porcelains, the beauty of Chinese and Japanese culture can be seen on display at this museum. The privately owned Collections Baur is open to the public and displays Asian artifacts and relics dating from the 10th to the 20th centuries. On exhibit are jade and ivory pieces as well as ceramics and medieval stoneware. BUS: 1 or 8
M.A.M.C.O
10, rue des Vieux-Grenadiers, Geneva, Switzerland
The exterior looks like a factory warehouse but what awaits inside is stunning. The Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain (M.A.M.C.O) interior decor features classic clean contemporary lines and sensational modern art. The museum is the city's first collection of modern work and opened in 1994. Exhibits range from sculpture to neon to furniture. The museum has four floors of exhibit space and serves as a representation of modern culture. BUS: 1 or 32
Musée Ariana
10, avenue de la Paix, Geneva, Switzerland
Located near the Palais des Nations, the Musée Ariana showcases a variety of artwork including porcelain pieces by Sévres and Meissen. The museum, founded by Gustave Revilliod, is Italianate in style and was built by Emily Grobety during the late 1880s. On display are over 10,000 years of ceramic history from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The Musée Ariana also has an educational area that describes firing and glazing as well as ceramic and glass techniques. BUS: 8 or F
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire
2, rue Charles-Galland, Geneva, Switzerland
Originally built in 1910 to house the overflow pieces from the Musée Rath, some of the best artifacts and relics in archaeology and fine arts can be seen here. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire features exhibits from prehistoric times to the present age. Displays vary from prehistoric items from Mesopotamia to an altarpiece by Konrad Witz built in 1444. The museum also displays expressive paintings by artists such as Largilliére and landscapes by Corot. BUS: 2, 3, 5, 7, 12 or 16
Musée de I'Horlogerie
15, rte de Malagnou, Geneva, Switzerland
Imagine the cacophony of ticking clocks resonating through the hallways of a two-story pink Palladian style townhouse. The Musée de I'Horlogerie provides an extensive look into Geneva's crafts of goldsmith and enamel art. On display are timekeeping pieces dating from 1550 to present day. One piece to see includes an exquisitely enameled gold bumblebee with filigree wings and a clock in its center. This museum is well worth the time invested since admission is free.
Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge
17, avenue de la Paix, Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva businessman Henri Dunant founded the Red Cross in 1863 after witnessing the Battle of Solférino. The museum chronicles the history of the world's first humanitarian group whose logo is the Swiss flag in reverse. The Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge is housed in a modern glass structure that has 11 permanent exhibit areas, temporary displays, a gift shop and café. Films, objects and photos as well as documents depict areas of Red Cross involvement. Examples include aid to victims of mine fields, social programs, and amnesty projects. BUS: 18, F, V, or Z
Petit Palais/Musée d'Art Moderne
2 terrasse St-Victor, Geneva, Switzerland
From French art pieces ranging from 1870 to 1930 and multi-dimensional artwork by Gauguin, the Petit Palais provides extraordinary examples of modernism. Known for its two-floor galleries, the museum is housed in an elegant town house mansion and is privately owned and operated. The Petit Palais is also referred to as the Musée d'Art Moderne, and revered for its involvement with the impressionistic movement. On display are contemporary Renaissance paintings by masters such as Picasso, Chagall and Kisling.
