Maison Tavel

About the museum

The Maison Tavel is regarded as the oldest surviving private house in the city of Geneva and as a remarkable example of medieval domestic architecture in Switzerland. It takes its name from the Tavel family, who owned the house from the end of the 13th to the beginning of the 16th century. After a fire in 1334 it was rebuilt and, with its small turrets, took on the character of a fortified house, later also that of an urban palace, with a façade full of sculpted heads.

Over the centuries the building was altered several times, especially by the Calandrini family in the 17th and early 18th centuries. In 1963 the City of Geneva acquired the house and had it restored in exemplary fashion. From 1979, excavations by the cantonal archaeological service in the garden uncovered the remains of an 11th-century tower and a 17th-century cistern. The monumental Romanesque vaulted cellars go back to the late 12th century.

In 1986 the Maison Tavel opened as a museum of city history and everyday life. Today it is one of five sites of the Musée d’art et d’histoire (MAH). Prints, paintings, maps, models, furniture and many other objects tell of Geneva and its inhabitants from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Among the highlights is the Relief Magnin of 1896, which can be seen in the attic.

Highlights

• Geneva's oldest surviving private house with tower and grey façade
• Relief Magnin of 1896 in the attic
• Geneva's city history and everyday life from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
• Monumental Romanesque vaulted cellars from the late 12th century
• Pay-what-you-wish admission (“Paie ce qu’il te plaît”)

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Genfer Stadtgeschichte – Prints, paintings, maps, models, furniture and everyday objects show life in Geneva from the Middle Ages to the 19th century; the highlight is the Relief Magnin in the attic.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Musée d’art et d’histoire (MAH), Ville de Genève

Admission & discounts

Admission is pay what you wish (“Paie ce qu’il te plaît”): at the ticket desk, visitors pay the amount they themselves consider appropriate, at the start or the end of the visit. As a guideline, the MAH notes that admission to Geneva museums is usually between CHF 5 and 20. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card. Some events are chargeable or require registration.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance on Rue du Puits-St-Pierre is step-free (bell and intercom); a lift leads to the floors. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed, other animals are not. A visitor plan is available to download in German, French and English.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

The MAH regularly offers family tours under the title “MAH & Merveilles”, including at the Maison Tavel (from age 6 accompanied by an adult, about 1 hour, registration required; CHF 3 children, CHF 5 adults). Pushchairs reach the floors via the lift at the entrance.

Getting there & parking

The house is located in Geneva's old town on Rue du Puits-St-Pierre.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Lockers for personal belongings are available during the day.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 100 guests.

The Caves monumentales can be hired (two open levels, 250 m², up to 100 people). Enquiries to event.mah@ville-ge.ch.

Plan your visit