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Voltaire Institute and Museum and its collection

Voltaire Institute and Museum
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The Voltaire Institute and Museum, also known as Les Délices, is a cultural institution located in the Parc des Délices in Geneva, Switzerland. The museum specializes in the study of the French writer Voltaire, making it a unique destination for those interested in literature and history. It is one of the four sites of the Geneva Library and hosts a library on Voltaire and the Enlightenment period, as well as events related to the writer or the 18th century.

The Historical Mansion of Les Délices

The Voltaire Institute and Museum is housed in a mansion named "Les Délices" by Voltaire himself, who lived there from March 1755 to October 1760. The mansion holds historical significance as it was Voltaire's residence during this period. To preserve this piece of history, the city of Geneva purchased the house in 1929, preventing its demolition.

Collections and Resources at the Museum

The Voltaire Institute and Museum hosts a permanent collection of documents, paintings, and prints that represent Voltaire or his close associates. This collection provides a unique insight into Voltaire's life and work. Additionally, the museum offers a documentation center with about 31,000 prints dedicated to Voltaire and the 18th century, making it a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike.

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FRInstitut et Musée Voltaire
ITIstituto Voltaire di Ginevra
FRMusée Voltaire
FRLes Délices
ENVoltaire Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house Language & Literature Person & Artist

#10 History & Anthropology in Geneva #5 Historic houses in Geneva #4 Person & artist museums in Geneva #147 Historic houses in Switzerland #18 Language & literature museums in Switzerland #54 Person & artist museums in Switzerland

#10 History & Anthropology in Geneva #5 Historic houses in Geneva #4 Person & artist museums in Geneva #147 Historic houses in Switzerland #18 Language & literature museums in Switzerland #54 Person & artist museums in Switzerland
Voltaire Institute and Museum
Rue des Délices 25
1203 Geneva

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Visitor information Voltaire Institute and Museum

Opening hours

Monday
14:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
14:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
14:00 – 17:00
Thursday
14:00 – 17:00
Friday
14:00 – 17:00
Saturday
14:00 – 17:00
Sunday Closed
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Admission

We don't have information about the tickets & prices of Voltaire Institute and Museum.

Facilities

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Location & Map

Rue des Délices 25, Geneva

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Exhibitions

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Voltaire Institute and Museum Reviews

Voltaire Institute and Museum has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Voltaire Institute and Museum in Geneva, Switzerland, offers visitors an insight into the life and work of the renowned philosopher Voltaire. Located in Les Délices, Voltaire's former residence, the museum houses a collection of manuscripts, letters, and personal items belonging to the Enlightenment thinker.

    The museum's strengths lie in its historical significance and the authentic setting. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved 18th-century architecture and the opportunity to explore the rooms where Voltaire lived and worked. The museum provides informative displays and exhibits that shed light on Voltaire's ideas and his impact on European thought.

    However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and the content may be somewhat limited for those expecting a more extensive collection. The experience can be enhanced with guided tours, which provide deeper context and bring Voltaire's story to life. Some reviewers mention that additional interactive elements or multimedia presentations could make the visit more engaging for a wider audience.

    The museum's location in a peaceful area of Geneva is generally seen as a positive, though it may require some effort to reach for tourists staying in the city center. Overall, the Voltaire Institute and Museum is appreciated by those with an interest in literature, philosophy, and European history, but may not appeal as much to casual visitors or those seeking a more dynamic museum experience.

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  • D
    Domênica • Apr 24, 2025

    Good evening! I’m very sorry to see that the museum was closed today. I saw on the website the hours of opening, but I went there and everything was closed. I wish I could visit some other day. Thank you.

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