Musée Ariana
Museum Geneva museum specializing in ceramics and glass
Musée Ariana in Geneva specializes in ceramics and glass and houses decorative-arts collections in a late-19th-century building; researchers and collectors examine international applied-arts holdings.
Musée Ariana is Geneva’s museum of ceramics and glass, housing a large collection that spans several centuries and geographic regions. The museum’s founding collection was assembled by Gustave Revilliod in the 19th century.
Galleries display decorative and utilitarian ceramics and glasswork from Europe, Asia and the Islamic world, with examples illustrating techniques such as glazing, glassblowing and enamel work. Exhibitions combine historical displays and temporary thematic shows.
The museum was established from the private collection and bequest of Gustave Revilliod and opened in the late 19th century to house his holdings of ceramics and glass. Since then it has expanded through acquisitions and loans and serves as Switzerland’s principal museum dedicated to these crafts.
Located in Geneva in the Canton of Geneva, the museum sits close to the city’s major art institutions and is accessible from central Geneva by public transport.
- Founding collection: Founded on the collection and endowment of Gustave Revilliod, the museum's holdings include several thousand ceramic and glass objects.
- Location advantage: Located near Geneva's Museum of Art and History, making it convenient to visit as part of a multi-museum route through the city.
What to See #
- Permanent galleries: Permanent galleries presenting ceramics and glass from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, spanning several centuries and various manufacturing techniques.
- Temporary exhibitions and displays: Rotating temporary exhibition halls used for thematic shows and contemporary projects related to glass and ceramics.
How to Get to Musée Ariana #
A 10-15 minute walk from Geneva’s Cornavin train station; tram lines 15 and buses serve stops near Avenue de la Paix. The museum is close to the Palais des Nations (UN) area.
Tips for Visiting Musée Ariana #
- Focus on the ceramics and glass galleries-fine European porcelain is presented with thoughtful lighting.
- Check temporary exhibitions; the museum often hosts thematic displays on design and decorative arts.
- Combine with a walk along Geneva's lakeside; the Ariana sits close to the UN quarter and small parks.
Best Time to Visit Musée Ariana #
Year-round access; weekdays and shoulder seasons are quieter.
Weather & Climate near Musée Ariana #
Musée Ariana'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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.