MAISON TAVEL
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The oldest private house in Geneva opens its doors on the city in the past. The "Magnin relief" model offers a zoom on 1850.
The history of the city of Geneva is presented page after page in this beautiful medieval house, the Maison Tavel. This building bears the name of one of the city's noble families. It is one of the most important examples of Swiss medieval civil architecture. It is also the oldest private house in Geneva, and was listed as a historic monument in 1923. The museum is dedicated to urban history and daily life in Geneva. It plunges visitors into the life of Genevans from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. A tour of the house reveals its collections: coins, weights and measures, antique doors (from the 16th to 18th centuries), a living room and kitchen, everyday objects (crockery, pewter) and 18th-century Indians. On the top floor, the model of Geneva, completed in 1896, is really very interesting. It shows the city's urbanization and appearance before the demolition of the fortifications in 1850. The Gothic facade, enriched by a remarkable sculpted decoration of 10 figures and the family coat of arms in a three-lobed niche, is of prime importance, a key element of Geneva's heritage and a unique example of 14th-century statuary on a regional scale.
A thematic tour is organized throughout the house. You'll discover 10 objects relating to key periods in Geneva's history.
The "Relief Magnin" model: on the top floor, covering some 30m2, not to be missed if you want to understand the urban organization of Geneva before 1850.
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Vous découvrez différentes choses retrouvées à Genève et ses environs, en vous déplacement dans les appartements de la maison (mobilier, monnaie, portes d'entrée et pierre, vaisselles, tapisseries, ....).
Le musée est gratuit, passez y faire un tour.