A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM CELEBRATES
by Vivian Holding
Geneva is about to celebrate several anniversaries this year – the Conservatory of the Botanical Garden celebrates its 200th year, the Reformation Wall its 100th, the Natural History Museum its 50th, the Barbier-Mueller Museum its 40th and the Geneva Photography Centre its 10th.
For the past five years the Ville de Genève’s Department of Culture and Sport has, for one night a year, opened its museums and gardens until midnight. This year the event takes place on Saturday 20th May 2017 and continues on Sunday 21st (International Museum Day). The event covers 31 locations and offers around 240 different activities, so there is a lot to see and do – good job you have two days to cover everything on offer! On Saturday, a shuttle bus runs between the venues to help you get around more easily (see link below for programme and shuttle bus details).
Here are my top five suggestions for the weekend.
For Singletons
The Museum of Art and History is hosting a speed dating session, in the spirit of its regular Afterwork parties. The theme this year is Alice in Wonderland, so prepare to be transported into the crazy world of Lewis Carroll and the characters he created, such as the Queen of Hearts (“off with his head”), the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and Tweedledee and Tweedledum. With DJ Riddler, a surreal visit to the regional Archaeology room, the chance to balance on a slackline with Slackline Genève, live music from the Institute Jaques-Dalcroze and drinks in the courtyard – whilst playing a game of croquet, of course – it promises to be a fun-filled night.
Speed dating sessions will take place on Saturday 20th May (each session lasts 15 minutes). Registration at the venue.
For the Green Fingered
Several guided tours will be on offer throughout the weekend, covering various areas of the Botanical Garden from the herb gardens, the rock gardens and the rare species of animals that live on site. There will even be guided tours by torchlight as night falls. Sign up for tours on the day. There will be live music too! Four different bands will be playing throughout the day in the Grand Tent as part of the celebrations – from rock music to jazz and a mixture of pop/rock/funk music (from 1pm-10.30pm on Saturday 20th). On Sunday 21st, a brass band will play between 2pm-3pm and from 4pm-5pm the Big Band of Eaux-Vives will play a mix of Jazz and Latino music.
For the Creative
Using drawing and calligraphy, you will learn how to create unique and customised cards at this workshop run by the artist Miroslav Marsalek at the Centre d’Art Contemporain.
Two workshops take place on the Sunday 21st May – at 2pm and 3.30pm. Ten participants (max) per workshop. Suitable from 8 years to adult. Courses are held in French and last 1hr 20mins. Sign up ASAP at publics@centre.ch or call 022 329 1842 to reserve your place.
For those who have Time on their Hands
Located in the heart of the Plainpalais district, the Patek Philippe Museum will open its doors to visitors on Saturday 21st until 8pm and also on Sunday until 6pm. Guided tours (in English) of the museum’s permanent collection dedicated to the prestigious creations that Patek Philippe has been designing, developing and producing in Geneva since its foundation in 1839. Visitors can also discover craft professions and thematic watchmaking events such as miniature enamel painting, stone setting and watch restoration.
For Scientific Chocolate Lovers
The Centre Interfacultaire en Sciences Affectives (CISA) of the University of Geneva is the first research centre in the world dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of emotions and their effects on human behaviour and to society.
Explore the emotions associated with chocolate. Will you be able to recognise the aromas of chocolate? Will you shudder when you dip your hands into melted chocolate?
Visitors are also invited to try out virtual reality games using a visual headset with 3D audio, which will allow them to discover the potential of this new technology for entertainment, exercise, education and research, and to experience active immersion in imaginary worlds.
For further information:
For the complete programme and details of the free shuttle bus service click here. The entrance price of CHF10 gives access to all institutions, entertainment and shuttles during the Museum Night on Saturday 20th May. Children under 18 are free. Tickets are available from the Tourist Office, the Maison de Grütli and PAYOT.
On Sunday 21st, all museums as well as the Botanical Gardens will be open to the public for free as part of International Museum Day.
