Musée d'ethnographie de Genève - Surprise Yourself by One of The Best Ethnographic Museums in Europe

Mika Vepsalainen
13 minutes ago
2 min read

Join us to visit the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève and you will not be disappointed!

Step into the fascinating world of the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève (MEG), where centuries of global exploration and cultural exchange come to life. Since the 18th century, Genevan explorers — traders, missionaries, and curious minds, have returned from their journeys with rare and beautiful objects from every corner of the globe. These treasures, once held in private collections and early museums like the Musée Académique and the Musée Historique, laid the foundation for what is today one of Switzerland’s most captivating cultural institutions.

Founded in 1901 and reimagined in 2014 in a stunning contemporary building, MEG invites you to explore a world of human creativity, history, and diversity. Designed with modern museography in mind, the museum features geographically themed exhibitions that span several centuries and more than 100 civilizations.

At the heart of MEG is the permanent exhibition “The Archives of Human Diversity”, showcasing over 1,000 carefully curated pieces from a collection of nearly 100,000 objects. From intricate textiles and ceremonial masks to musical instruments and everyday areifacts, these exhibits offer a compelling journey across time and cultures.

However, MEG is more than a museum. It is a place to experience the history.

If you want to dive deeper into global cultures, Marie Madeleine Lancoux Library offers you access to one of the most comprehensive collections on world anthropology. You might also wish to explore the Music Lounge, a unique space dedicated to the sounds of the world (note: closed on weekends and Mondays).

Whether you're here for a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch, or just a coffee break, the MEG Café offers a cozy atmosphere with a sunny terrace in summer. It’s a local favorite, especially during weekday lunch hours.

Though small, the MEG shop is packed with unique finds from books and handcrafted gifts to design objects inspired by the museum’s collection. Perfect for picking up a memorable souvenir.

Entry to the permanent collection is free. Temporary exhibitions are ticketed at a modest fee.

The museum is fully accessible, with lifts and adapted restrooms on all key levels.