The house was constructed on the foundations of a 12th-century tower, making it the oldest remaining private house in the city.
The building features a rare example of a medieval 'latrine tower' that hangs over the narrow street below.
The 1850s relief map of Geneva, known as the Magnin Relief, is one of the largest scale models of a city in Europe.
The attic level contains the original 17th-century wooden roof structure, which is exposed for visitors to examine.
The building was purchased by the City of Geneva in 1963 to prevent its destruction and was subsequently restored for museum use.
Maison Tavel is the oldest private residence in Geneva, dating back to the 12th century. Following a massive fire in 1334, the stone house was rebuilt by the Tavel family, who were prominent local nobility. Today, it serves as the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life, detailing Geneva's evolution from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century. The building itself is a primary exhibit, featuring architectural elements such as medieval stone vaults, decorated ceilings, and a 16th-century latrine tower. The interior displays include archeological artifacts, historical maps, furniture, and works of art. A highlight is the 'Magnin Relief,' an expansive 19th-century bronze-and-zinc scale model representing Geneva before the city walls were demolished. The museum occupies six levels, organized chronologically and thematically to explain urban expansion and societal changes. It remains an essential site for understanding the architectural heritage of the Geneva Old Town.
The internal stone staircase and the view of the wooden roof timbers in the attic.
Start from the top floor and work your way down to follow the chronological history of the city.
The museum is narrow with many stairs; leave large bags in the provided lockers at the entrance.
Check the temporary exhibition room on the lower levels, which often features niche topics on Genevan history.
Do not rush through the lower levels; the most significant architectural features of the medieval construction are found in the cellars and the ground floor.
Closed on Mondays.
