Geneva’s culture and cuisine. Diverse delights in a city full of charm.
Intro
In recent years, Geneva has developed into a vibrant cultural and gourmet metropolis. Visitors from all over the world can discover a city offering a perfect combination of urban adventure, delectable stylish cuisine and unique experiences out in nature. In Geneva, culture, cuisine and nature are often just a few steps apart.
Cosmopolitan Geneva
Geneva is a dynamic university city right on the eponymous Lake Geneva. Its most famous landmark is the Jet d’Eau, a 140m high fountain in the lake. Dozens of international organisations and companies have their headquarters in the city. They contribute to its cosmopolitan flair and cultural diversity.
Hint
The city of globetrotters with its historic centre right on the lake.
Nature and culture at one. The park as a gallery and sculpture garden.
A Genevan with ambitions
Culture manager Thomas Hug is passionate about art and gastronomy. He used to run his own gallery in Berlin. A few years ago, he returned to his hometown of Geneva and launched artgenève and “Sculpture Gardens”, an art exhibition that takes place every two years in the Parc des Eaux-Vives. Hug is a key player in Geneva’s cultural scene and regularly brings internationally acclaimed artists to the city.
These days, most guests no longer seek cultural mega-events. Rather, they are looking for specific experiences in a small space – and that is exactly what they will find in Geneva.
Taste experiences
For Thomas Hug, there are many parallels between art and gastronomy: “The gestures, colour compositions and tools used by chefs and artists are often the same.” Hug therefore also regularly designs programmes in which he unites art and gastronomy. Through pop-up restaurants during the annual art fair artgenève, for example.
Artworks for the palate.
“Urban gardening” in front of the art museum.
Contemporary works within a historical museum
The Musée d’art et d’histoire is above all known for its large collection of historical pieces, including paintings, graphic works, archaeological finds, clocks and watches, jewellery and miniatures. However, it also regularly stages themed exhibitions of contemporary artists, on the topic of time, for example. According to Thomas Hug, it is “something of an insider tip that top exhibitions with famous international artists are often shown here”.
- 350,000 fine art prints can be found in the MAH collection.
- 100,000 coins and medals feature in the MAH collection.
- 6,000 historical armour and weapons have been collected over the years by the MAH.
- 900 musical instruments are included in the MAH collection.
Urban culinary experiences. Indulgence at the heart of the action.
Artful plates
Marc Popper has a passion for authentic dishes and fruity natural wines. “Our menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, but also has Swiss influences,” he explains. “Fresh, seasonal ingredients and skilled chefs are at the heart of what we do.” That’s why the dishes on the small menu change each week. Popper likes to be inspired by cultural figures, such as Thomas Hug. He recently collaborated with artists from Geneva for a series of limited edition ceramic plates.
Sharing the joy
After a long day of visiting exhibitions and meetings with gallery owners, Thomas Hug likes to wind down with a fine glass of wine from the region. “My favourite thing is to come here with friends,” he says. “We share several dishes, so that everyone can try everything.”