Nestled in the serene Conches neighborhood of Geneva, Switzerland, the Musée d‘Ethnographie de Genève (MEG) is a remarkable institution that has captivated visitors and scholars alike for over a century. With an astounding collection of more than 80,000 artifacts and works of art from civilizations across five continents, the MEG offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich diversity of human cultures throughout history. As a historian specializing in cultural heritage and museology, I have long been fascinated by this museum‘s unique holdings and its dedication to promoting cross-cultural understanding. Join me on a journey through the MEG‘s past, present, and enduring significance.
A Legacy of Exploration and Preservation
The story of the MEG begins with the vision and passion of one man: Eugène Pittard. Born in 1867, Pittard was a Swiss anthropologist, ethnographer, and professor who devoted his life to studying and preserving the material heritage of cultures worldwide. In 1901, he founded the Museum of Ethnography in Geneva, driven by a belief in the power of objects to illuminate the human experience across time and space.
Pittard‘s early collection efforts were shaped by the colonial context of the era, as well as his own extensive fieldwork and research. He acquired artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas through a combination of purchases, donations, and expeditions. Some of the museum‘s oldest holdings, such as a collection of ancient Peruvian textiles, date back to the 18th century—predating the MEG‘s founding by nearly 200 years.
As the museum‘s collection grew, so too did its reputation and ambitions. In 1941, the MEG moved into its current home, a former school building in the Conches district. This space provided room for expanded exhibitions and programming, but by the turn of the 21st century, it was clear that the museum needed to evolve once again.
In 2014, after years of planning and construction, the MEG unveiled a state-of-the-art expansion designed by Zurich-based architects Graber & Pulver. The new building, which seamlessly integrates with the original structure, added over 7,200 square meters of exhibition space across two subterranean levels. This transformation not only allowed the museum to showcase more of its vast collections, but also to reimagine its role as a center for cultural education, research, and dialogue.
Treasures from Around the Globe
One of the great joys of visiting the MEG is the sheer diversity and scope of its collections. The museum‘s holdings span an incredible range of mediums, time periods, and geographical regions, offering visitors a kaleidoscopic view of human creativity and ingenuity.
Among the most impressive collections is the African art and ethnography section, which features over 15,000 objects from across the continent. Highlights include an array of intricately carved masks from West and Central Africa, such as the stunning Bwa plank masks of Burkina Faso, known for their geometric patterns and bold color schemes. The collection also showcases textiles, jewelry, and ceremonial objects that reflect the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of various African societies.
Another standout is the MEG‘s extensive collection of pre-Columbian art from the Americas. With over 10,000 objects dating from 2000 BCE to the 16th century CE, this collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilizations that thrived in the region long before European contact. Visitors can marvel at intricate Mayan and Aztec stonework, delicate gold ornaments from the Andes, and elaborate ceramics from the Moche culture of Peru.
The museum‘s Asian collections are equally impressive, with a particular focus on the artistic and spiritual traditions of South and Southeast Asia. One of the most remarkable objects on display is a rare 18th-century Burmese harp, intricately decorated with gold lacquer and glass mosaics. Other highlights include exquisite Indian miniature paintings, finely crafted Khmer bronzes from Cambodia, and a stunning array of Chinese and Japanese textiles.
Of course, these are just a few examples of the MEG‘s vast and varied holdings. From Polynesian tapa cloth to Arctic Inuit carvings, from ancient Greek pottery to contemporary Aboriginal art, the museum‘s collections offer endless opportunities for discovery and wonder.
A Hub of Research and Scholarship
Beyond its role as a public museum, the MEG is also a vital center for academic research and scholarship in the fields of anthropology, ethnography, and cultural studies. The museum‘s collections have long been a valuable resource for scholars seeking to deepen our understanding of the world‘s cultures and their interconnected histories.
One notable example of the MEG‘s research impact is the work of Swiss anthropologist Alfred Métraux, who served as the museum‘s director from 1941 to 1957. Métraux is best known for his groundbreaking studies of the indigenous peoples of South America, particularly the Tupinambá of Brazil and the Uru of Bolivia. His fieldwork and publications, many of which drew on the MEG‘s collections, helped to reshape Western understandings of these cultures and challenge prevailing stereotypes.
More recently, the museum has been at the forefront of efforts to use cutting-edge technologies to study and preserve cultural heritage. In 2016, the MEG partnered with the Haute École d‘Art et de Design Genève (HEAD) to launch the "3D Ethnography" project, which uses 3D scanning and printing to create detailed replicas of fragile artifacts. These replicas can be used for research, education, and even repatriation to communities of origin, helping to ensure that the museum‘s collections remain accessible and relevant for generations to come.
The MEG also regularly collaborates with universities and other cultural institutions to develop exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. For example, in 2019, the museum partnered with the University of Geneva to host a major international conference on the theme of "Heritage, Sustainability, and Innovation." The conference brought together scholars, artists, and activists from around the world to explore new approaches to preserving and promoting cultural heritage in the face of global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.
Engaging Audiences, Sparking Dialogue
For all its impressive collections and scholarly achievements, the MEG‘s true power lies in its ability to connect with and inspire its visitors. Through a range of innovative exhibitions, programs, and events, the museum seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world‘s cultures, while also grappling with the complex histories and challenges that shape them.
One of the museum‘s most successful recent exhibitions was "Afrique. Les religions de l‘extase" (Africa. The Religions of Ecstasy), which ran from May 2018 to January 2019. The exhibition explored the diversity and dynamism of African spiritual traditions, from ancient Egyptian rituals to contemporary Pentecostal movements. Through a combination of artifacts, photographs, videos, and immersive installations, the exhibition invited visitors to experience the power and beauty of these traditions, while also challenging Western stereotypes and misconceptions.
Another notable example is the museum‘s ongoing "Ethnographic Thursdays" series, which brings together scholars, artists, and community members for lectures, discussions, and performances related to the museum‘s collections and themes. Recent events have explored topics such as the role of women in African art, the cultural significance of tea ceremonies in Asia, and the impact of climate change on indigenous communities in the Arctic.
The MEG also places a strong emphasis on education and outreach, particularly for young audiences. The museum offers a range of guided tours, workshops, and activities designed to engage children and families with the collections in fun and interactive ways. For example, the "Ethnokids" program invites children aged 6-12 to explore the museum‘s exhibitions through games, crafts, and storytelling, while the "Ethnoado" program offers similar activities for teenagers.
Looking to the Future
As the MEG looks ahead to its next chapter, it remains committed to its core mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding and preserving the world‘s rich cultural heritage. At the same time, the museum is grappling with a range of new challenges and opportunities, from the impact of digital technologies to the urgent need for greater diversity and inclusion in the museum world.
One exciting development is the museum‘s growing focus on contemporary art and culture from the Global South. In recent years, the MEG has acquired a number of important works by contemporary African, Asian, and Latin American artists, many of whom are using traditional mediums and techniques to explore pressing social and political issues. By showcasing these works alongside its historical collections, the museum hopes to bridge past and present, and to highlight the ongoing relevance and dynamism of the world‘s cultures.
The museum is also working to deepen its engagement with the local community in Geneva, particularly with members of diaspora and immigrant communities. Through partnerships with community organizations, schools, and cultural centers, the MEG is seeking to create new opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation. In doing so, the museum hopes to become a more inclusive and responsive institution, one that truly reflects and serves the diverse communities it represents.
Ultimately, the Geneva Museum of Ethnography remains a vital and vibrant center for cultural education, research, and exchange. As a historian and museum professional, I am continually inspired by the MEG‘s dedication to exploring the human experience in all its complexity and diversity. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious visitor, this remarkable institution has something to offer everyone who seeks to better understand the world and our place within it.
