Bodmer Foundation, Literary museum in Cologny, Switzerland
The Bodmer Foundation is a museum in Cologny that houses around 160,000 objects ranging from ancient Egyptian papyri to rare printed books and manuscripts. The collection is displayed in a contemporary building that integrates historic structures with modern design.
Martin Bodmer founded this institution in the 1920s to gather and preserve important texts and manuscripts. The foundation later gained recognition as a UNESCO Memory of the World site and achieved status as a nationally significant cultural property.
The collection reflects works that people have valued across centuries, from medieval manuscripts to letters by famous composers. Visitors can encounter these objects in spaces that show their importance to European culture.
The building underwent major renovation and is scheduled to reopen in spring 2025. Visitors should check ahead before planning a trip, as construction work can sometimes extend beyond the initial timeline.
The underground exhibition space was designed by architect Mario Botta in 2003 and connects two neo-baroque houses through naturally illuminated galleries. This hidden room system protects valuable objects from light and environmental damage while creating an unusual visitor experience.
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