Barbier-Mueller museum reopens with an exhibition of its "jewels"

Barbier-Mueller Jewels reopens The cultural institution, showcasing art from Africa, Asia and Oceania in the heart of Geneva's old town, celebrates its 30th anniversary after being closed for renovations.

Photo: Barbier-Mueller Museum | This 12th century bronze figure of a horseman is one of the museum's "jewels."

26 Avril 2007 found at Tribune de Geneve

Barbier-Mueller Museum

Art from Antiquity, Africa, Asia and Oceania

10, rue Jean-Calvin
1204 Geneva
Tel. 41 (0)22 312 02 70
Fax (41 0)22 312 01 90

Founded in 1977, the museum is in the heart of Geneva's Old Town. Its aim is to preserve, study, and publish a collection begun by Josef Mueller in 1907 and managed to this day by his heirs. The collection contains over 7,000 articles, including works of art, such as sculptures, fabric and artifacts, from primitive and classical times. Many of these works are considered to be unqualified masterpieces.The Barbier-Mueller Museum has gained international acclaim through its travelling exhibitions, its loans to other museums, and the publication of numerous catalogues and art books.

Opening hours:
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance fees:
SFr5 - Adults
SFr3 - Retired, students, unemployed, pensioners and groups
Free entry for children under 12 years, ICOM members and Friends of the Museum (+ 8 guests).

The Barbier-Mueller Museum has reopened after being closed for several weeks for renovations. Now the private museum devoted to ancient art from Africa, Asia and Oceania is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new exhibits, including an expo of its “fleurons” or “jewels,” the finest works of art in its collection from Africa and Oceania.

These include a selection of African ceramics, plus artifacts made from iron, bronze and ivory.

One part of the exhibit highlights intricate wooden carvings from Papua New Guinea, while another offers a comprehensive display of containers dating back 7,000 years.

The museum has its root in the first acquisition of a work of art made by Geneva resident Josef Mueller (originally from Solothurn) 100 years ago. From a young age Mueller was a prodigious collector of all forms of art, including works by Picasso, Matisse and Cézanne. At at a time when so-called primitive works of art from Africa were derided, he was one of the first to appreciate their artistic and historic value. His son-in-law, Jean-Paul Barbier, 77, is carrying on the family tradition. The collection contains over 7,000 articles, including works of art, such as sculptures, fabric and artifacts, from primitive and classical times. Many of these works are considered to be unqualified masterpieces.

The museum is located in the heart of Geneva’s OldTown, at 10, rue Jean Calvin.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, check the “Group of Seven” museums listing in the English Corner’s Arts section.

http://www.barbier-mueller.ch/