International Red Cross Museum Geneva review

Geneva has its own charm and a legacy that empowers its existence today. Hosting the European headquarters of United Nations, Geneva is also the hub for a number of NGOs and International organisations. Some great artists, engineers, thinkers and philosophers belong to Geneva who have established its ruling realm today. One such concept that is most popular all over the world is the organisation called ICRC- International Committee of the Red Cross. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum displays the efforts and the contribution of this organisation for all these years. The entry price is 15 CHF per adult and here is an elaborate International Red Cross Museum Geneva review.

A brief introduction to ICRC

ICRC was established by a man called Henry Dunant who wanted to create an organisation that could “limit the danger caused by war”. He helped wounded soldiers at the battle of Solferino in 1859 by setting up a small medical camp there with the locals. He soon realised the need of having a global and a central organisation that would support the war victims irrespective of their colour, religion, faith and belief.

The sculpture right outside the museum is the perfect representation of what ICRC stands for. Their heads are covered because ICRC supports all the war victims equally, irrespective of their religion and faith. They are tied and their hands are held at the back to highlight their helplessness and the support that they expect from an organisation like ICRC.

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International Red Cross Museum Geneva review

The International Red Cross Museum is widely spread into three segments that define a strata of ICRC. Museum highly scores on the whole structure and the experience that it provides. As you register at the reception, you would be given an audio guide with headphones for a self guided, detailed and intriguing journey of ICRC. The audio guide is available in various languages and can be asked at the reception itself.

The first segment

The first subdivision is called ‘Defending the Human Dignity’. This area introduces us to the founder, his ideation and the spread of ICRC on the world map. The most striking feature for me was an idol of 3 pin dolls that represent poverty, migration and urban violence- something that we all have seen, felt or undergone. This segment is dedicated to all such issues that exist in the world but are either ignored, neglected or are taken for granted.

To further emphasize on the global presence of ICRC, some innovative pieces made under limited resources and with extravagant skills are displayed for the visitors to understand the story and culture worldwide. These pieces were received by ICRC delegates from the prisoners across the world.

Made out of tin cans

Made out of cardboard sheets

Another distinguished feature here was the wall called ‘The Colours of Dignity’. This video summarises it for all.

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The second segment

The second part is called ‘Restoring Family Links’. Infact the entrance to this segment is via hanging chains that build the feeling of confinement. This area is dedicated to the world wars where stacks of 6 million index cards and historical records showcase the plight and misery of all the imprisoned soldiers during the wars. It has all the information of the war victims including their capture, detention and possible death. You can also listen to the testimonials of the victims, can feel their agony when they narrate their stories and can understand to what extent ICRC has helped them and others in making this world a better place to live.

Index Card to communicate with families of war prisoner

6 million Index Cards with information on war prisoners

The third segment

The third segment called ‘Reducing Natural Risks’ is the perfect fusion of visual and audio delight. As you enter, there is a platform game- Hurricane where it delivers a strong message of reserving the resources for an unpredictable natural disaster.

With a motive to make the world a better and sustainable place to live, This segment highlights the natural causes and disasters and how we can jointly make an effort to fight it back. It has some engaging live projected videos around cyclones, sanitation and floods.

Added exhibition

My article on International Red Cross Museum Geneva review would be incomplete without mentioning this. I was lucky to attend one of their exhibitions on AIDS. From a detailed introduction to the virus to explaining each symptom and cause, the exhibition concluded with a message that AIDS is not contagious and we should be there to provide emotional and mental support to all patients suffering from HIV.

Overall, if I were to conclude my International Red Cross Museum Geneva review, I would say it is an ideal platform with a perfect description and vision that defines the goals for a future world. An organisation that was initially founded to help war victims, today, is trying to spread awareness to avoid being victims of natural and man made disasters. I hope you would enjoy my International Red Cross Museum Geneva review and would definitely prefer visiting it once.

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Insider tips:

• The information related to opening hours and making reservation requests can be seen here.
• From November to March, the entry of the museum is free each first Saturday of the month.
• The nearest bus stop is Appia. Buses numbers 8, 28, F, ND, V and Z are best to reach the museum.
• There is a free admission area inside the museum called Fokus, just on the right side of the entrance. It highlights the global spread and the projects that ICRC has done so far.
• On the right side of the entrance, there is a coffee machine that serves coffee for 1 CHF. That’s the cheapest in Geneva.
• There is also a restaurant inside the complex which is again pretty affordable.