Musée Rath
A historic, temple-inspired building in Geneva hosting diverse, temporary art and photography exhibitions with a 'pay what you wish' entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Musée Rath
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, temple-inspired building in Geneva hosting diverse, temporary art and photography exhibitions with a 'pay what you wish' entry.
"It's a pay what you like model. The exhibition space is very small, I only saw 3 rooms when I was there."
🎯 Check Exhibition Program
Always verify the current exhibition online before your visit. The museum's appeal varies greatly with its temporary shows.
💰 Pay What You Wish
Enjoy flexible entry fees. Be aware some visitors felt pressured to pay; decide your contribution beforehand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Temporary Art Exhibitions
Discover diverse and often thought-provoking temporary art shows that change throughout the year. A must-see for art lovers.
Historic Greek Temple Architecture
Admire the museum's striking 19th-century building, designed to resemble an ancient Greek temple. A beautiful backdrop for any visit.
Ella Maillard's World
Exhibition Space
Explore the adventurous life and work of photographer Ella Maillard through her captivating travel and adventure books.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Exhibition Schedule
Pay What You Wish Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Exhibition Program
Always verify the current exhibition online before your visit. The museum's appeal varies greatly with its temporary shows.
💰 Pay What You Wish
Enjoy flexible entry fees. Be aware some visitors felt pressured to pay; decide your contribution beforehand.
🗺️ Locate Restrooms
Restrooms are downstairs and not always clearly signposted. Ask staff if you can't find them.
🎒 Locker Availability
Small lockers are available for bags. You'll need a 2 CHF coin, which is returned upon key insertion.
Which museum to check out ?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Exhibition Program
Always verify the current exhibition online before your visit. The museum's appeal varies greatly with its temporary shows.
💰 Pay What You Wish
Enjoy flexible entry fees. Be aware some visitors felt pressured to pay; decide your contribution beforehand.
🗺️ Locate Restrooms
Restrooms are downstairs and not always clearly signposted. Ask staff if you can't find them.
🎒 Locker Availability
Small lockers are available for bags. You'll need a 2 CHF coin, which is returned upon key insertion.
🚶 Walk from Cornavin
It's about a 15-minute walk from Geneva's main train station, Cornavin. Easy to access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Musée Rath offers a unique 'pay what you wish' experience within a beautiful, temple-like building. Visitors appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to see diverse temporary exhibitions, though some find the space small and have noted occasional pressure regarding payment. The staff is generally friendly, and the location is convenient.
"I went to see the Ella Maillard exhibition. It was good but only one large room and I was expecting more (they are good at publicity in other Swiss cities and TV, etc).
The other two rooms on either side housed other barebones exhibitions.
Downstairs they had a cozy area with sofas with Ella Maillard’s travel/adventure books you could browse.
The toilets are not well signposted but downstairs. I had to ask how to access them.
Staff is friendly. You pay what you like to enter which I found an interesting concept. They have some lockers which will hold small bags. You need a 2 CHF coins to get a key but get it back once the key is in the slot.
Musée Rath than is about a 15 minute walk from the Cornavin main train station."
Karin Sinniger
"The most boring exhibition I have ever seen which is fine, it's personal preference, but the staff was a bit rude.
They have a pay what you wish policy which is also fine, however, we felt pressured to pay since a member of staff insisted twice ("so will you pay by card or cash?").
It was embarrassing being put on the spot and I felt judged for the amount I gave.
I recommend the Maison Tavel, same policy, passionate staff, permanent exhibition and temporary one which I shall add was much more interesting."
Lina Sirine
"Had a pleasant visit to this museum. Whether or not you choose to go depends very much on whether you're interested in the particular exhibit they have at the time - so do check. It's a pay what you like model. The exhibition space is very small, I only saw 3 rooms when I was there."
Lisa Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Musée Rath is conveniently located and is about a 15-minute walk from the Cornavin main train station. You can also easily reach it via public transport, with several bus and tram lines stopping nearby.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the museum, several public parking garages are available in the vicinity of Place Neuve and the surrounding areas. It's often easier to use public transport or walk.
Yes, Musée Rath is centrally located near other key Geneva sites like the Old Town and the lakefront. Many visitors combine a visit with a stroll through the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Musée Rath operates on a 'pay what you wish' policy, meaning you can contribute any amount you feel is appropriate for your visit. +1
Advance booking is generally not required due to the 'pay what you wish' system. However, for special events or group visits, it's always best to check the museum's official website.
Opening hours can vary depending on the exhibition. It's crucial to check the official Musée Rath website for the most up-to-date information on opening days and times before your visit.
As the museum has a 'pay what you wish' policy, there are no fixed discounts. You are free to contribute what you can afford.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The exhibition space at Musée Rath is relatively compact, typically featuring a few main rooms for its temporary displays. Some visitors find it small, while others appreciate the focused experience.
Yes, Musée Rath offers lockers for visitors to store small bags and belongings. You'll need a 2 CHF coin for the locker, which is refundable.
The suitability for children depends heavily on the current exhibition. While the space is manageable, younger children might find some art exhibitions less engaging.
Photography policies can vary per exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask the staff if photography is permitted.
Musée Rath is known for hosting diverse temporary exhibitions, often focusing on art, photography, and historical themes. Past exhibitions have included photography collections and thematic art displays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Musée Rath does not typically have an on-site cafe or restaurant. However, its central location means numerous cafes, restaurants, and brasseries are just a short walk away in the surrounding Geneva streets.
It's generally advised not to consume food or drinks inside the exhibition spaces to protect the artworks. There might be designated areas, but it's best to check with staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ for each exhibition. Always check for signs or ask museum staff for clarification on whether you can take photos.
The museum's neoclassical architecture provides a beautiful backdrop. The exterior, resembling a Greek temple, is particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a stroller if needed, though the space is not vast. The availability of lockers for bags is a plus for parents managing multiple items. If the exhibition is particularly interactive or visually stimulating, it can be a good outing. Otherwise, consider other Geneva museums that might have more permanent, child-focused displays.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk from Cornavin station, which is about 15 minutes away, to save on transport costs. The museum's central location also means you can easily explore other free attractions in Geneva before or after your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Pay What You Wish' Model
While this policy is commendable, some visitors have reported feeling a degree of pressure from staff when making their payment. It's advisable to have a general idea of what you'd like to contribute beforehand to avoid any awkwardness. The flexibility allows for a more personal connection with the museum, but being prepared for the interaction can enhance the visit.
This system also means that the museum's revenue can fluctuate, making it even more important for visitors to contribute generously when they can. It's a trust-based system that relies on the goodwill of its patrons to support its programming and operations.
Navigating the Exhibition Space
Visitors should be aware that the layout is intimate. While this can make for a more personal encounter with the art, some may find it limiting if they expect large-scale galleries. The museum's strength lies in its ability to present specific themes or collections in a well-defined space.
Practicalities like restrooms are located downstairs and might not be immediately obvious, so don't hesitate to ask staff for directions. Lockers are available for small bags, requiring a 2 CHF coin that is returned.
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