Geneva’s Museum of Art and History officially covers five sites: Tavel House, Rath Museum, Art and Archaeology Library, Gamma Space, and the main Museum of Art and History. They’re all around Geneva Old Town—but for most people, a visit to MAH is all about the main site on Rue Charles-Galland.
The museum has no official admission fee, making it good for a spontaneous visit. However, if you want the lowdown on the art beyond the display info, you’ll need to book a private tour at least 15 days in advance, directly with the museum. Otherwise, city tours and scavenger hunts pass by the museum, with a nod often given to the building’s neoclassical architecture in commentary.
MAH is free to enter, but you can make a voluntary donation—the suggested donation is from 5-20 CHF.
Information inside the museum is officially available in French, German, and English, though some displays seem to be missing English translations.
There’s a wheelchair-accessible entrance with a bell on the Boulevard Jaques-Dalcroze. Wheelchair users may find access around the museum difficult, although museum staff are available to assist.
On-site lockers are available for you to leave coats and other personal items.
Geneva’s main Museum of Art and History site is near the Place du Bourg-de-Four, in the old town streets close to the university. The nearest parking lot is Saint-Antoine, and the nearest tram stop is a 5-minute walk away at Rive. Otherwise, bus #7 takes you direct to the museum, and several other buses take you to nearby stops such as Athénée, Saint-Antoine, and Florissant.
The MAH is open Monday through Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday from mid-morning until early evening. On Thursdays, the museum is open between lunchtime and mid-evening. Like many museums, it’s busier in the peak summer months and late fall months, when school trips often take place. If you can, aim to visit in the morning when the museum feels quiet. Plan for around 2-3 hours of browsing time.
For a night out with a cultural twist, visit the MAH on a Thursday night. You can browse the collections and exhibitions without the crowds and enjoy events, too. While the occasional tours on Thursday evenings are more likely to be in French, there are often summertime concerts or DJ sets in the courtyard. For a special evening, book a table at the on-site Restaurant Le Barocco, where fine dining food awaits.
