Imagine standing right here, in front of Geneva’s Victoria Hall. It’s a grand building, with a Neo-Baroque facade that screams history. A real piece of art! It was built in 1891 and 1894 by architect John Camoletti, but it was a British consul, Daniel Fitzgerald Packenham Barton, a man of many talents, who financed it and gifted it to the city of Geneva. The hall, he dedicated to Queen Victoria, but some believe the dedication might also have been a private one for his own Victoria- Alexandrina-Julia Peel Barton. Well, history is full of secrets! Victoria Hall was a hub for music and art. The original pipe organ was a mighty piece, but in 1984 a fire broke out, tragically destroying much of the original artwork, including Ernest Biéler’s beautiful paintings. It was a disaster, but its spirit remained. And the fire triggered a rebirth. Today, the hall has a new, equally large organ, and its paintings were replaced by a modern and unique work by Dominique Appia. The Victoria Hall is an impressive sight, with its main entrance facing east, the auditorium has a parterre and two layers of balconies. The organ dominates the back of the stage. If you’re ever in Geneva, be sure to visit this magical hall!
Monument des Communes réunies Statue
Carouge in 1816. Imagine the whispers, the hushed excitement as 24 communes decided to join the canton of Geneva. This