Musée des sapeurs-pompiers et sapeuses-pompières

About the museum

The idea of moving the Geneva fire brigade's collection out of the barracks into a museum of its own arose around the turn of the millennium. From 2000 onward, a team of active and retired firefighters built the house on Rue du Stand themselves. The building material was storm-felled timber from the canton of Vaud, left behind by the Lothar hurricane. After more than seven years of work, the museum was officially opened on May 29, 2008, exactly 168 years after the Geneva fire corps was militarized.

The house shows, across several floors, how firefighting in Geneva has developed from the 18th century to the present: hand pumps, motor pumps, historic vehicles such as the first motorized ladder of the professional fire post from 1931, breathing apparatus, uniforms and equipment. Retired firefighters act as guides through the exhibition and share anecdotes from their careers.

The museum is run by an association which, since 2023, has been part of the cantonal fire and rescue organization Groupement SIS, but continues to look after the collection and open it to the public on its own. In May 2026 the museum was closed to the public indefinitely.

Highlights

• Historic fire vehicles, including the first motorized ladder from 1931
• Hand and motor pumps from several centuries
• Breathing apparatus, uniforms and equipment of the Geneva fire brigade
• Guided tours by retired firefighters
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Geschichte der Feuerwehr in Genf – Vehicles, pumps, breathing apparatus and equipment show across several floors how firefighting in the city has developed since the 18th century.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Association du Musée des Sapeurs-Pompiers de la Ville de Genève (seit 2023 im Groupement SIS)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission free for everyone.

Accessibility

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

The website is meant to have a section on access for people with limited mobility; specific information is missing.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Parents should supervise small children closely, as many pieces are unique.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Jonction district on the bank of the Rhône.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenir shop on the website.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Receptions or cocktails with a visit are possible for groups on request (visites@mspg.ch).

Plan your visit