International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum Museum

Geneva museum documenting Red Cross humanitarian history

In Geneva, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum documents humanitarian history and contemporary crises through exhibits, artifacts and interactive displays.

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International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum at a Glance#

Address: Avenue de la Paix 17, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

Website: https://www.redcrossmuseum.ch/en/

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Mondays

Admission: Adults CHF 15 (~$17), reduced rates for students/children; free for children under 6 (prices subject to change)

About International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum#

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva is a museum dedicated to the history, principles and contemporary practice of humanitarian action, situated next to the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters.

Its galleries present the development of humanitarian law and relief operations alongside personal testimony, artefacts and interactive exhibits that explain the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The museum combines historical narrative with contemporary case studies to illustrate the challenges of humanitarian response.

The museum was established by the Red Cross movement to document and explain humanitarian action to the public and to support education in international humanitarian law. Over time it has expanded its use of multimedia and temporary exhibitions to address ongoing crises.

It sits in Geneva close to the lake shore and the international district, readily accessible by public transport from the city centre.

  • Location and languages: Located adjacent to the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters in Geneva, the museum presents content in several languages and includes interactive installations.
  • Visit length: Typical visits take around 1.5 to 2 hours; guided tours and educational programmes are available and can be booked in advance.

What to See#

  • Permanent exhibition: A permanent exhibition that traces the history and principles of humanitarian action and international humanitarian law through objects, testimonies and multimedia displays.
  • Temporary exhibitions: Rotating temporary galleries and special exhibitions that focus on contemporary humanitarian crises, humanitarian response and documentary photography.

How to Get to International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum#

Located near Geneva’s international district, the museum is a 10-15 minute walk from Geneva Cornavin station. Tram lines 15 and 18 stop nearby (Appia or Nations stops); buses also serve the area.

Tips for Visiting International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum#

  • Allow 1.5-2 hours to engage with the museum's immersive exhibits and testimonies; audio guides are recommended.
  • Visit the outdoor garden and the view over the Rhône for a quiet moment after the often emotionally intense interior exhibits.
  • Book timed-entry tickets online during high season to avoid queues and respect capacity limits.

Best Time to Visit International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum#

The museum is an indoor experience; visit during shoulder seasons to avoid Geneva's summer tourist peak and to secure quieter galleries.

Spring
April-June · 8-18°C
Mild weather and fewer summer crowds; good time to pair the museum with other Geneva sites.
Autumn
September-November · 8-16°C
Lower visitor numbers and reflective light, which suits the museum's solemn themes.

Weather & Climate near International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum#

Climate

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (990 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 39 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -1° - 4° -1° 80 mm overcast 84% 2.2 m/s 0.1 low 8.9h
February Poor -1° - 6° 0° 80 mm overcast 82% 2.4 m/s 0.3 low 10.2h
March Acceptable 1° - 10° 4° 66 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.8h
April Acceptable 4° - 14° 7° 67 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.6 m/s 1.0 high 13.4h
May Good 8° - 19° 14° 79 mm overcast 77% 2.3 m/s 1.4 high 14.8h
June Very Good 11° - 22° 17° 95 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.2 m/s 1.7 very high 15.6h
July Very Good 14° - 26° 20° 74 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 15.2h
August Very Good 13° - 25° 19° 71 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.0 m/s 1.5 high 14.0h
September Good 10° - 21° 15° 99 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.9 m/s 1.0 moderate 12.4h
October Acceptable 6° - 15° 10° 97 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.0 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.7h
November Poor 2° - 9° 4° 92 mm overcast 83% 2.2 m/s 0.2 low 9.3h
December Poor 0° - 5° 0° 90 mm overcast 82% 2.3 m/s 0.1 low 8.5h

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