Musée d’ethnographie de Genève. Photo by Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve


 

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve was established in 1901. However, its collection has a long history. Some collections began two centuries earlier. The objects in the museum tell educate people and taste the objects of various regions.

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve comprises one of the largest ethnographic collections in Switzerland. The museum is home to 80,000 objects and 300,000 documents.

The galleries and an auditorium are located in the basement. The cafeteria, museum shop and ticket office are on the ground floor, facing the garden.

 Upstairs are restoration and cultural outreach workshops, as well as the library. The library was named after a generous patron, Marie Madeleine Lancoux.

The library includes a small space for listening to music from all over the world. The old building has also been renovated and now houses offices and ethnomusicology workshops. The three buildings in the ensemble – the old museum.

Let’s look at the Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve

1. It was Founded on the Initiative of Professor Eugene Pittard

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve was founded on September 25, 1901. It was established on the Initiative of Professor Eugene Pittard. Eugene Pittard also held the first Chair of Anthropology at the University of Geneva.

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve was first housed in Mon Repos villa. In 1939, the Musee was moved into the disused buildings of the Mali Primary School on boulevard Carl Vogt.

However, it opened in new premises on 12 July 1941. It shared the space with the Anthropology Department of the University until 1967. In 1949, the building was extended.

 In 1975 the city bought the Lombard villa in Chêne-Bougeries. It became the Conches annexe.

2. It Engages in a Decolonial Process and Reorients its Museological Strategy

Musée d’ethnographie de Genève. Photo by Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve takes stock of global societal and environmental changes. This as well as those occurring within the museum world. To define its commitments for the years to come.

Various issues form the core of Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve’s new vision. Issues such as decolonization, collaborative processes and creativity.

In November 2019, the Museum unveiled its 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. Today, the museum presents the eight strategic implementation programs. They were designed by its teams.

The strategic implementation programs give concrete expression to the priorities in the service of the public. Furthermore, about its working partners.

3. Some Collection began Two centuries Earlier before the Museum

Eugene Pittard brought together public and private collections. The collections were from various museums such as the ethnographic collections of the Archeology Museum and the Musee Ariana.

Additionally, other collections were from the holdings of the Evangelical Missionary Society Museum and weapons from the Geneva History Museum.

4. Three Proposals to Build a New Museum in Sturm Square were Rejected

New building resulting from the extension of the Ethnographic Museum of Geneva. Photo by Mourad Ben Abdallah on

The proposals were rejected between 1980 and 2001. The museum was to be built in Sturm Square.

However, the city then considered renovating and extending the building on its present site. The City Council unanimously approved the project on 21 March 2007.

5. The Museum Holds the Largest Ethnographic Collection in Switzerland

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve has the largest ethnographic collection in Switzerland. The collection comprises 80,000 objects and 300,000 documents. The collections are beautifully arranged in exhibits highlighting all parts of the world.

6. The Building of the Museum is Pagoda-Shaped

Musée d’ethnographie de Genève. Photo by Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve is a Pagoda-Shaped building. It was opened on 31 October 2014. This is after four years of construction work.

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve was designed by Graber Pulver Architekten AG. He partnered with the civil engineering firm Weber + Brönnimann EG.

The galleries and an auditorium are located in the basement. The cafeteria, museum shop and ticket office are on the ground floor, facing the garden.

Upstairs are restoration and cultural outreach workshops, as well as the library. The library was named after a generous patron, Marie Madeleine Lancoux.

7. Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve Peaked Roof Gives Way to Huge Exhibition Spaces Below

The building of the Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve looks small. However, its Peaked roof gives way to huge exhibition spaces below.

The permanent exhibition covers two rooms and it’s free to enter. The permanent exhibition “The Archives of Human Diversity” is the high point of the Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve.

A hundred civilizations are represented for several centuries of history covered. In a scenography that makes perfect use of the space

However, the temporary exhibition changes yearly and is paid for. The exhibition highlights the treasures of its collections in magnificent immersive scenographies.

Additionally, Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve multiplies activities for all audiences: shows, concerts, conferences, film screenings, workshops and guided tours. These are just a sample of the experiences that are offered to you in resonance with the Museum’s exhibitions.

8. The Adventure starts before you even enter the Museum

Musée d’ethnographie de Genève. Photo by Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia

The architecture is modern and audacious. There is a pretty landscape garden just in front of the Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve.

The garden changes with the seasons. Interestingly, when the kids need some fresh air, there is a fantastic playground for them.

9. An Extensive Anthropology Library and Features Music from Around the Globe

The library was named after a generous patron, Marie Madeleine Lancoux. The library includes a small space for listening to music from all over the world.

10. The Museum has an Excellent Café and Restaurant

Former building of the Ethnographic Museum of Geneva. Photo by Romainbehar on Wikimedia

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve features an excellent cafe and restaurant. This is a popular spot in Geneva to meet, eat and drink.

Additionally, there is also a covered picnic area by the playground. A lovely bookshop in the entrance hall.

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve is well adapted for a visit with family. There are plenty of Creative workshops, storytelling session, fun tours, shows and film screenings.

Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve is worthy of a visit. It received the European Museum Award in 2017. Musee d’ethnographie de Geneve is an architectural symbol in the Plainpalais district as well as a centre for sharing and discovering world cultures.

The European Museum Award is the highest distinction for a museum in Europe. It is awarded to a museum that stands out for its excellence and innovative spirit.

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