collection des moulages de l'Université de Genève
University collection of plaster casts of ancient sculptures in the Quartier des Bains; free admission, open on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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About the museum
The roots of the Geneva cast collection go back to the 18th century, when the Geneva drawing school was founded in 1751. In the lessons, which were meant to train the aesthetic sense of future craftsmen, pupils worked by imitation, and casts of ancient statues remained important models for this for more than a century.
In the 19th century further casts were added because of their artistic significance; they reflect Classicist taste and Geneva's enthusiasm for antiquity at a time of major excavations. Another series was acquired by Francis de Crue, the first lecturer in archaeology at the University of Geneva, with a more historical interest. Through bequests and donations the holdings grew, and Professor José Dörig enriched them with numerous casts of his own, including unique pieces such as slabs of the east frieze of the Hephaisteion in Athens or the Amazon from the Palazzo dei Conservatori in Rome.
To this day the collection serves the university for teaching and research, since the stylistic comparison of originals is only possible through three-dimensional copies. At the same time it is regarded as cultural heritage that should be studied and shown. It is located in the Quartier des Bains, opposite the MAMCO, and offers activities for school classes and for the general public.
Highlights
- Plaster casts of ancient sculptures for teaching, research and the public
- Rare individual casts, such as of the east frieze of the Hephaisteion in Athens
- Free admission
- "Archéo-fashion" workshops and tours for school classes
- Virtual museum online
Permanent exhibition
- Sammlung antiker Gipsabgüsse – Plaster casts of Greek and Roman statues and reliefs, used for teaching, research and public outreach.
- Operated by
- Université de Genève, Unité d’archéologie classique
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The "Archéo-fashion" activity is aimed at children aged 7 and over, the collection tour at children aged 10 and over.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bains · 2-min walk
Bus 1 and 35 to "École-Médecine" (3 minutes on foot), bus 2, 19 and 35 to "Bains" (2 minutes on foot), bus 2 and 19 to "Musée d’ethnographie".
The collection is located in the Quartier des Bains, opposite the MAMCO.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Activities are available for school classes and the general public: "Archéo-fashion: fashion in ancient Greece" (ages 7 and over, 1.5 hours), a tour of the cast collection (ages 10 and over, 1 to 1.5 hours) or both combined (2 hours). Enquiries to moulages@unige.ch. |
