Musée Rath

About the museum

The Musée Rath opened in 1826 at Place de Neuve in the heart of Geneva. It is considered the first museum in Switzerland dedicated to fine arts and one of the first in Europe designed from the outset as a building for displaying artworks. In the decades following its opening, it displayed its own holdings and collections of the City of Geneva.

By the end of the 19th century, space had become too tight for the growing paintings and sculptures collections. When the large Musée d'art et d'histoire opened in 1910, the collections moved there. Since then, Rath has been a venue for temporary exhibitions of the museum and belongs to the MAH network.

Today, the house has a newly oriented program with three focal points: presentations of private or public collections, recognition of watchmaking art in collaboration with the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, and cooperations with other Geneva institutions.

Highlights

• One of Europe's oldest art museum buildings, opened 1826
• Temporary exhibitions by the Musée d'art et d'histoire
• Admission by choice
• Central location at Place Neuve next to Parc des Bastions

Founded

1826

Operated by

Ville de Genève

Admission & discounts

Admission is by choice ("Pay what you wish"): visitors pay at the cash desk whatever amount they consider appropriate. As a guideline, the museum notes that admission to Geneva museums typically ranges from 5–20 CHF. Some events are paid 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

Large steps at the main entrance. A level-access entrance with bell is located at the back of the building (across from Fleuriot flower shop). An elevator inside brings wheelchair or stroller users to the exhibition spaces; strollers can be left at the entrance (unattended area).

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

Strollers can be taken into exhibition rooms via elevator or left at the entrance.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers

Lockers for bags; tokens available free from the cash desk.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit