A great place if one is interested in history of ceramics and glass, including china, porcelain, pottery, stoneware, and earth wear.. The museum offers workshops and also thematic evenings, though most in French. There is a big permanent exhibition on the ground and first floors, with temporary exhibitions normally taking place on the lower ground floor. The museum has over 27, 000 objects, illustrating seven centuries of ceramics in Geneva, Switzerland, Europe, and the East. Great to pair the visit to Ariana with the visit to Baur Foundation Museum dedicated to the East and Orient culture. The Ariana museum was built between 1877 and 1884 on the initiative of Gustave Revilliod ( 1817 - 1890) to house his private collection and was named after his mother, Ariane de la Rive.The building, bearing neo-classic and neo-baroque features, sits in a small park with views to the United Nations. The story goes that Gustave bequeathed the museum to Geneva City on the condition that the land surrounding the building will not be occupied by any other buildings. The promise that the City broke by giving away part of the land to build the United Nations. So, the area around the museum is much smaller than before. However, the building still looks impressive. One of the public initiatives that was organised by the museum last Christmas (2017) was porcelain star making workshop. The participants made individual stars to their liking for later hanging on a huge Christmas tree in the hall of the museum. The stars could be admired the whole Christmas holidays and on the last day of it the participants could come and find their star on the tree or if not, then take as a present a...
Read more🏺 I had the pleasure of visiting the Musée Ariana, a true gem for lovers of ceramics and glassware. Located in close proximity to the Palais des Nations, this museum is a cultural treasure trove housed in a stunning neo-classical building.
Inside the Musée Ariana, you'll discover a rich collection of exquisite ceramics and glassware from Europe and the Far East. The museum showcases beautifully crafted pieces ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, offering insights into the evolution of ceramic and glass artistry through the ages. 🖼️
To visit the Musée Ariana, you can purchase tickets at the entrance. Admission prices are reasonable, and guided tours are available for those interested in a deeper exploration of the museum's collections and history. 🎟️
The best time to visit the Musée Ariana is during weekdays, especially in the mornings, to avoid large crowds and fully immerse yourself in the art and craftsmanship on display. 🕰️
Located amidst the serene Ariana Park, the museum offers a picturesque setting with views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps. 🏞️ Its proximity to the Palais des Nations makes it convenient for combining visits to both landmarks in one outing, enriching your cultural experience in Geneva.
Whether you're a connoisseur of art or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, the Musée Ariana promises a captivating journey through the history and beauty of ceramics and glassware. It's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the cultural riches...
Read moreThis is one of the most beautiful museum that I have been to. It is free admission thanks to its founder and donors. Below is the history of the museum and its content.
“Astute collector, untiring traveller, man of letters and enlightened philanthropist, this Genevan was the founder of the Musée Ariana. He built the museum to house his collections, but above allto allow everyone to enjoy them. He named the building "Ariana" in memory of his beloved mother, Ariane Revilliod-De la Rive. Paintings, sculptures, clocks and watches, jewellery, weapons, medals, furniture, books, ceramics, glass, stained glass and curiosities, either brought back from his world tour or purchased in Europe, form an impressive collection of more than 30,000 pieces! Assisted by his faithful steward and friend Godefroy Sidler, Revilliod opened the museum to the public in 1884. His collections, spanning eras, continents and techniques, were much admired by his contemporaries. This sitting room reflects the eclectic tastes of the collector and evokes the 19th century...
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