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Fondation Martin Bodmer

The Fondation Martin Bodmer in Cologny (Geneva), Switzerland, is a unique heritage library recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combining a museum, a place for research and conservation, and a collection dedicated to writing from its origins to the present day. Its permanent exhibition traces the history of civilization over 5000 years since the invention of writing, and the collection holds over 150,000 objects including papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, and rare books. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition is currently closed for renovation, with reopening planned in 2026.

Families and Kids

The Foundation welcomes young people of all ages and their families with themed visits, family workshops, and discovery trails on the history of writing for children aged 7-12, who explore the museum with a leaflet and torch. An Ancient Egypt themed discovery trail is available for children aged 8-12. Children under 18 enter free of charge.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Price range: $$
  • Topic: History
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

The museum is currently closed for renovation works, with reopening planned in 2026. Regular opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm, closed on Mondays, with special evening hours until 9 pm on the first Wednesday of each month.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
14:00-18:00
Wednesday
14:00-18:00
Thursday
14:00-18:00
Friday
14:00-18:00
Saturday
14:00-18:00
Sunday
14:00-18:00

Admission fees

15 CHF
Adult admission
10 CHF
Students, AVS (old-age pensioners), unemployed
0 CHF
Free for children under 18

Contact

Webpage
fondationbodmer.ch
Email
info@fondationbodmer.ch
Address
Route Martin-Bodmer 19, 1223 Cologny

Access

Nearby stops

  • Cologny, temple150 meters walking distance
  • Cologny, croisée500 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Genève
22m
Lausanne
1h 20m
Martigny
2h 20m
Sion
2h 35m
Neuchâtel
2h 35m

FAQ

  • Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
    Yes, the museum is accessible to people with disabilities, and a complete accessibility form is available via Culture-Accessible Genève. The Foundation also offers specially adapted visits and creative workshops for people with disabilities.
  • What is the temperature inside the museum and how should I dress?
    The museum rooms are kept at a temperature between 18 and 19 degrees Celsius to best conserve the items on display. Visitors should dress accordingly.
  • Are guided tours available and how can I book them?
    Yes, both scheduled public tours and private guided tours are available. Scheduled tours are included in the price of admission, while private tours can be booked online or by contacting the Foundation. Private tours cost 150 CHF on weekdays and 180 CHF on weekends and after 6 pm, plus 10 CHF per person.
  • Are there activities for children and families?
    Yes, the Foundation offers themed visits for younger audiences, workshops for the whole family, and history of writing discovery trails for children aged 7-12, where children explore the museum with a leaflet and torch. There is also an Ancient Egypt themed discovery trail for children aged 8-12.
  • Is there parking available at the Foundation?
    Yes, the Foundation has its own parking with 14 spaces including 2 disabled spaces and a bicycle shelter. There are also two paid parking options nearby: Le Manoir parking (50 cents/hour) and La Forge parking in the center of Cologny.

Included in