Tavel House (Maison Tavel)
Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre 6, Geneva, Lake Geneva, 1204
If Geneva is rich in history, then Maison Tavel is its time capsule. The museum captures what life was like from the 14th century onward in precise detail. As the earliest example of Genevan domestic design, visitors find ancient stone walls, iron detailing, and antique furnishings. Be sure to visit for a look at Geneva's storied past.
The basics
Walking the historic streets of Geneva's Old Town, visitors will find Maison Tavel, a museum documenting the city's past and showcasing Swiss art and culture. Because of its accessible location, visitors can easily stop by on a self-paced tour. But to see more in less time, many travelers opt for a Geneva city tour—or a regional tour that includes nearby cities—both of which typically pass the Maison Tavel.
Things to know before you go
- Maison Tavel is a great choice for visitors with limited time due to how much history the museum packs in.
- History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the ancient wood carvings on the lower floors or the centuries-old living quarters, armor, and period artwork upstairs.
- Admission to the permanent collection is free, but it's worth paying the small fee to check out the temporary exhibitions.
- The museum is accessible for patrons with reduced mobility—ring the doorbell and staff will unlock the nearby ramp.
How to get there
The Maison Tavel is centrally located in Geneva's Old Town, two blocks from the Cathédrale de St-Pierre. You can walk or arrive by tram from Geneva's Gare de Cornavin. Your best bet is to take the 12 tram to the Rive stop and walk up the hill to 6 rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre. The museum has a line of cannons out front, so it's hard to miss.
When to get there
The Maison Tavel is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. The busiest days are Saturday and Sunday, so plan to arrive on a weekday to avoid peak weekend crowds. To make a day of it, pair your visit with a trip to the Cathédrale de St-Pierre, which is just around the corner.
The 1850 model of Geneva
On the top floor of Maison Tavel, visitors will find a model of Geneva from 1850. This must-see installation gives you a bird's eye view of the city. Identify historic Old Town buildings and discover where the city fortifications were situated, check out archival images of the city, and get a firsthand perspective on how Geneva has changed.
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