Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Genève

About the museum

The Muséum d'histoire naturelle of the City of Geneva is simultaneously research institute, collection archive and exhibition house. For almost two centuries it has conducted natural science research; its collections include over 15 million animals, rocks and minerals from around the world, including approximately 50,000 original specimens and type specimens. This makes it Switzerland's largest natural history museum and among Europe's ten most important. The network includes the Musée d'histoire des sciences in Parc de La Perle du Lac.

In February 2023 a multi-phase construction site began at the Route de Malagnou location with a new collection building called 'Amber' for researchers and alcohol collections. Since 1 January 2024 the exhibition building has been closed to the public. In September 2025 an infestation with the drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum) was discovered; the City of Geneva has subsequently launched an extensive program to protect the collections and renovate the building.

Reopening is now planned for September 2028. Then part of the galleries will again be accessible, with newly arranged entrance area, larger shop, improved café, public natural history library and new gallery for seasonal exhibitions. Permanent exhibitions on Swiss and world animals will be reworked, and a new exhibition on the history of earth and life is being developed.

Highlights

• Over 15 million specimens and specimens
• Switzerland's largest natural history collection
• Galleries on Swiss and world animals (redesigned after reopening)
• New permanent exhibition on earth and life history planned

Operated by

Ville de Genève

Director

Arnaud Maeder

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• 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

According to City of Geneva, house partially wheelchair-accessible, toilets partially accessible, no accessible parking spaces. Details may change after renovation.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

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