Ariana Museum (Musée Ariana)

Also known as the Swiss Museum for Ceramics and Glass, the museum is in Ariana Park (Parc de l’Ariana), near the Palace of Nations (Palais des Nations) and the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The building itself is notable, and it often features on the itineraries of Geneva sightseeing, walking, and e-bike tours, even if it’s just a whizz-by stop. Guides give information about the architecture and the museum’s founder—Gustave Revilliod—who gifted the museum to the city in the late 1800s. The real appeal of the Ariana Museum is for people with a keen interest in pottery and ceramics, both on a historic and contemporary level. Guided tours of the collections can be organized with the museum in advance for groups of up to 15 people.

• Entry to the Ariana Museum’s permanent exhibition is free. There’s a charge to see the temporary exhibitions, although admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

• Holders of the Geneva City Pass or Swiss Museum Pass can see the temporary exhibitions for free.

• The museum is good for spontaneous visits as it’s rarely crowded and tickets don’t need to be pre-booked.

• Allow three to four hours to cover the collections of this big museum.

• Descriptions of the exhibits are mostly in French, although you can ask at the entrance for an English information sheet.

• Most of the building is wheelchair-accessible, with elevators to the exhibition areas, accessible restrooms, and an alternative entrance to avoid the gravel pathways of Ariana Park. It is worth calling the museum in advance for more detailed access information.

• The Ariana Museum shop sells limited editions of ceramic goods, dining ware, and teas, making it a great stop for unique gifts.

The Ariana Museum is located in Ariana Park on Avenue de la Paix in Geneva. It is accessible by several buses (both the Appia and Nations stops), the Léman Express train (Genève-Sécheron railway station), and by tram (Nations stop). Drivers can use a paid parking lot (Parking des Nations) on Rue de Varembé.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from mid-morning until early evening. Given the huge size of the Ariana, it rarely seems crowded, even in Geneva’s busier summer months between June and August.

Little kids and precious porcelain don’t normally mix, but the Ariana Museum has made efforts to make outings here more family-friendly. There’s a children’s area on the ground floor with books, activities, and games for role-play fun. Plus, there are free activity sheets—adapted to different ages—that are designed to help kids explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions through discovery trails and treasure hunts.