Fondation Martin Bodmer — Attraction in Cologny

Amazing hidden gem in the Cologny neighborhood of Geneva. Beautiful grounds and breathtaking views of Lake Geneva are free, and the entrance fee for the library/exhibition space (which is all below ground and feels like a Bond villain's secret vault) is more than worth it. The jaw-dropping collection includes beautiful artist books (Picasso, Dali, Miro, etc.), historic atlases from around the world, handwritten letters (by titans like Galileo), original music scores, and countless first editions of fiction and nonfiction alike. It's the perfect place to spend an hour relaxing and enjoying the views, or to spend the entire day absorbing all of the luscious details that thousands of talented writers, artists, mapmakers, typesetters, bookbinders, etc. have put into these fabulous works that hold the thoughts, hopes and dreams of humanity's last few...

It's an irony that a museum dedicated to the history of writing doesn't have explanations of the exhibition in any languages other than French. And the display is not presented in a way that is conducive to learning. Lighting is also an obstacle. While it's understandable that the valuable manuscripts need to be protected, it's almost impossible to distinguish details. Two interactive horizontal screens on Bodmer and the current Dante exhibition are useful. The Dante exhibition was a available in English via an app but because the permanent collection leads directly into the Dante exhibition we were not made aware of it's existence until we exited. We asked the employees when we entered for an English language guide and they never mentioned the app. The garden, views of Geneva and the lake are...

Dante, Dante all over! Extraordinary exhibition of Dante, his Divina Commedia, books, drawings, comics (!), translations and literary references. Worth a visit, especially for Dante lovers. From a passionate Dante collector, Martin Bodmer. I was so impressed, that I did not take any pictures inside the museum. Furthermore, giant books and the smallest books you can imagine. Very recommendable. The Dante exhibition has been...