Musée Ariana Museum

Address: Avenue de la Paix 10, 1202 Genève, Switzerland (Musée Ariana location)

Website: https://www.ville-ge.ch/musees/ariana/

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays

Admission: CHF 8-12 adults (approx.); discounts for students/seniors

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.

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.

• 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.