Ethnographic Museum Of Geneva (Meg), Geneva: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Ethnographic Museum Of Geneva (Meg) Overview

Settled right in the center of the city, MEG gives you a chance to know about the distinct cultures of the world. Ranging from lively exhibitions, shows, to the temporary exhibitions and workshops, here you can encounter each one of them. The MEG is awarded the prestigious EMYA award that is one of the most remarkable moments for the Museums of Europe.

Apart from this, the MEG even features an exhibition where more than 80,000 objects are present from five continents. To your surprise, here you can even watch the installations of Ange Leccia who is a world-renowned artist. The MEG invites you to explore a global tapestry of cultures through its extensive artefacts and contemporary artworks, making this a valuable addition to your Switzerland package from India.

Something that makes the MEG museum unique is a guided tour of the museum that is available in several languages and has proper educational programs with that. You can even savor lip-smacking meals at the outdoor cafe and shop art work at the stall. There is even a public library where you can read a variety of books and listen to your favorite genre of music.

Another striking feature of the Museum is the ethnomusicology section where you can learn about the studies of instruments of various kinds. Make sure that you add this interesting place in your itinerary and have a cultural retreat.

How To Reach

Reaching out to the MEG Museum from the Geneva Airport is an easy one as you can either take a direct taxi which will charge you about INR 2,200 and will take 8-10 minutes. Apart from this, you can even book a ride on a sharing basis that will cost you half of the private taxi.

Other Essential Information

- Location: Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

- Entry fee: Starting from 10 CHF per person.

- Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

- Distance from Geneva Airport: 6.9 km approximately.

History about Meg Museum

The MEG renowned as the Geneva Museum of Ethnography is a venture of Professor Eugene Pittard and houses artifacts that showcase the culture of five continents. The Museum was founded in the year 1901 and was initially housed in the Mon Repos Villa where the public, as well as private ethnographic collections, were brought together.

In the museum, you can also spot the weapons of the Geneva History Museum and countless other items of the Archaeology Museum of Geneva, Museum of the Missions. Later, in 1939 the MEG moved the boulevard Carl that is situated right in the heart of the city.

The structure of the museum is influenced by the Pagoda style and is designed by Graber Pulver Architekten AG. The MEG has a whole lot more than a museum and has a basement, cafeteria, shop, workshops, and a public library where you can relax. While this is an old building that has been restored, but it features exceptional architecture.

Inside the Museum are 7 sections where there is an exhibition of 5 continents, ethnomusicology workshops, and weapons of Geneva. The cultural outreach of the museum and workshops is very high and hence it receives travelers from different corners of the world.

Interesting Facts about Meg Museum

- The Museum is known to preserve more than 80,000 artifacts that are collected from five different continents.

- The Museum was founded back in the year 1901 and has the collections of several museums namely the Archaeology Museum of Geneva, Museum of the Missions, and several others.

- Most of the sections of the Museum exhibit Buddhism, Japanese, Tibetan, and Chinese collections.

- The Museum is rewarded with the “European Museum of the Year Award 2017” - EMYA 2017 for its exotic collection of cultures.

- The MEG is the only museum that exhibits ethnomusicology, where you can learn about the studies of instruments of various kinds.

Places to Stay near Meg Museum

1. Home Swiss Hotel

Equipped with all the modern amenities the Home Swiss Hotel is one of the most stellar stays near the MEG Museum. This 4-star hotel offers a range of rooms namely the deluxe, executive, and suite. Another striking feature of the hotel is its location which is right in the heart of the city.

Location: Avenue de Sainte-Clotilde 7, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

Amenities: Buffet Breakfast, LCD TV, Electric kettle, Phone, Alarm, Luggage rack, Free Wi-Fi, Desk in the room, elevator, and various others.

Price: Starting from INR 150 CHF onwards

2. Starling Hotel Residence Geneva

Snuggled close to Musée d'Art et d'Histoire the Starling Hotel Residence Geneva is one of the most comfortable places to stay in Switzerland. The property offers 32 well-appointed rooms from where you can make the best selection for yourself.

Location: Route des Acacias 4, 1227 Genève, Switzerland

Amenities: Free Wi-fi, Paid to park, Air-conditioned, Smoke-free, Children friendly, laundry service, public transport bus card, and several others.

Price: Starting from INR 100 CHF onwards

3. Hotel Central

Located in the center of the city, the Hotel Central offers laid back vibes and a wide array of freebies. The infrastructure of the hotel is quite modern and is well fitted with top-class amenities. Each one of the rooms is stored with kitchenettes and separate living areas.

Location: Dorfstrasse 48, 6390 Engelberg, Switzerland

Amenities: Free Wi-fi, Free breakfast, Pet-friendly, laundry service, free parking, and various others.

Price: Starting from 100 CHF onwards

4. Hotel Rotary Geneva - MGallery

Overlooking Lake Geneva, the Hotel Rotary Geneva - MGallery is one of the most stunning stays that welcomes visitors from different corners of the world. The rooms are equipped with the antique furnishings and subtle fusion of modern and classic styles make it an exclusive stay.

Location: Rue du Cendrier 18-20, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

Amenities: Free Wi-fi, Free breakfast, Pet-friendly, laundry service, free parking, and various others.

Price: Starting from 125 CHF onwards

Places to Eat near Meg Museum

1. Cafe Du MEG

Situated inside the MEG Museum, this is a great place to have little munchies and experience a variety of cuisine. Delights like Sandwiches, pizzas, and several other delectable cuisines can be savored here.

Location: Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

Timings: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm on all days except Monday.

Price for two: Starting from 25 CHF.

2. Restaurant Le Museum

Dated back in the year 1948 the Restaurant le Museum is affiliated with the Montreux jazz scene. Some of the famous names like David Bowie and Mick Jagger have witnessed the establishment for its amazing delights. Right from the Swiz cuisine to the Continental here you can have all of it.

Location: Rue de la Gare 40, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland

Timings: 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm on all days.

Price for two: Starting from 30 CHF.

3. Chez Arsene

Have the best A-La-Crate at the Chez Arsene restaurant that is an excellent place for fine dine and a choice with no regrets when traveling with family. The interiors of the restaurant are quite soothing and soft yellow lights make the aura even more comforting.

Location: Rlle de la Vinaigrerie 4, 1207 Genève, Switzerland

Timings: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm on all days except Sunday and Monday.

Price for two: Starting from 25 CHF..

4. Luigia

Offering a lively ambiance and Italian touch, Luigia is a great place to hang out with friends and family. Ranging from Italian cuisine to a wide array of pizzerias, here you can find each one of them.

Location: Rue Adrien-Lachenal 24a, 1207 Genève, Switzerland

Timings: 12:00 noon to 2:30 and 6:30 to 11:30 on all days.

Price for two: Starting from 20 CHF.

5. Hashimoto

The Hashimoto Cafe is a great place for visitors as it has eastern influences with an amazing terrace view. Here you can relish lip-smacking Japanese dishes and spend a gala time with your loved ones.

Location: Rue Adrien-Lachenal 19, 1207 Genève, Switzerland

Timings: 12:00 to 2:30 pm and 7:00 to 10:30 pm on all days except Sunday and Monday.

Price for two: Starting from 25 CHF.