One of our favourite museums in Geneva is the MEG (le Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève) . . . we watched as it was being built and we were excited when it opened its shiny new doors!
The adventure starts before you even enter the museum – the architecture is modern and audacious (designed by Graber Pulver Architekten AG) and there is a pretty landscaped garden (Hager Partner AG) just in front of the museum, that changes with the seasons. And, when your little ones need some fresh air, there is a fantastic playground just next door – perfect!
Temporary exhibitions
The temporary exhibitions change yearly. We had a terrific visit to the «Rois Mochica» exhibition a couple of years ago, and we even managed to be there when there was a FREE Mochica temple building workshop for the children. And we heard some wonderful storytelling too. Late in 2016 we visited the «Amazonia» exhibition and we were immersed in the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest; the boys had sticker books to accompany their visit (offered by the museum) and they took part in a wonderful FREE feather workshop.
The current temporary exhibition at the MEG is «L’effet boomerang. Les arts aborigènes d’Australie», and it will run until the 7th January 2018. See here for more details.
Permanent exhibition space
As well as the temporary exhibitions, there is also a permanent exhibition displaying artefacts from all of the continents: Exposition de référence: Les archives de la diversité humaine. Here, there are some interactive activities, like listening to music from around the world.
For children and families
The MEG museum is well adapted for a visit en famille. There are plenty of creative workshops, story-telling and musical events planned and there are helpful booklets offered to make a visit to the exhibitions more interactive for the children (do ask at reception!). See here for more details. And, as stated above, when you need some fresh air there is the wonderful playground outside!
Restaurant & Bookshop
The MEG has an excellent café/restaurant and there are even some toys available to keep the little ones entertained as you eat/drink! There is also a covered picnic area by the playground. And there is a lovely bookshop in the entrance hall.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11h -18h
CLOSED on Mondays, 25th December and 1st January
Price:
Adults: 9CHF
Under 18s: FREE
*FREE: first Sunday of the month*
Address:
Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67
1205 Genève
Tel: +41 (0)22 418 45 50
Parking: Parking de Plainpalais or free parking on adjacent streets at the weekend.
Getting there: see here
*CONGRATULATIONS to the MEG for winning the prestigious award European Museum of the Year 2017! Very well deserved!*
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