The Smurfs Buildings

Geneva

Copyright: Guilhem Vellut/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

DESTINATIONS switzerland geneve Do & See The Smurfs Buildings

The Smurfs Buildings

Situated in the vibrant Grottes district, Les Schtroumpfs, also known as the Smurfs buildings, is a fascinating architectural gem. Built between 1982 and 1984 by three visionary architects, this whimsical housing complex draws inspiration from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and the iconic smurf houses from the comics. Featuring curved walls, irregular angles, and vibrant pops of colour reminiscent of the beloved blue characters' mushroom homes, the complex aptly earns its nickname, 'The Smurfs’. Housing 750 families, it encompasses amenities such as a kindergarten, dental clinic, and cafés, all set amid trees and playgrounds, creating a unique and playful community space.

Useful Information

Address: Rue Louis Favre 41, Geneva

Do & See

Geneva, with its enchanting blend of historical charm and modern allure, offers travellers a myriad of experiences. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, wander through the beautiful lakeside park, or indulge in exclusive shopping on the luxurious rue du Rhône. Thought-provoking visits to global institutions like the United Nations and the Red Cross add depth to the city's character. Geneva's museums showcase a rich spectrum, from classical to avant-garde art, while its architectural surprises and evolving neighbourhoods create an ever-changing urban landscape.

Jet d'Eau

The Jet d'Eau is one of the highest water fountains in the world and a famous landmark of Geneva, which you can see from almost everywhere in the centre and up to very far in the surroundings (even past the border). The fountain shoots 500 litres of water a second to a height of …

Place du Bourg-de-Four

Place du Bourg-de-Four

In the heart of Geneva’s Old Town lies the charming Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city's oldest square. This vibrant area serves as a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike, its surroundings lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. On Thursdays and Saturdays, Place du Bourg-de-Four transforms into a lively market, where vendors showcase …

United Nations Headquarters - Palais des Nations

United Nations Headquarters - Palais des Nations

Housed in the historic Palais des Nations, a relic from the League of Nations era, the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva stands as an emblem of international diplomacy and cooperation. As one of the four major offices of the UN, this iconic complex hosts numerous international conferences, diplomatic meetings, and negotiations. The Assembly Hall, …

St Pierre Cathedral

St Pierre Cathedral

Situated at the highest point of the Old Town, St Peter's Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is the most visited monument in Geneva, welcoming around 400,000 people every year. Its fame comes mostly from being the adopted home church of Protestant Reformation leader John Calvin as well as from housing, in its …

Lake Geneva

Sandwiched between Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva (called Lac Léman in French) is a stunning natural gem known for its picturesque landscapes and beauty. One of the largest lakes in Europe, it offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the Jura Mountains. The lake's shores are adorned with charming towns and cities, including Geneva, …

The Flower Clock

The Flower Clock

L’Horloge Fleurie is a super-size watch with a diameter of five metres, made of 6,500 flowering plants and shrubs, symbolising Switzerland’s world-famous watch industry. This symbol has been around since the 1950s, and the decorations and plants are changed in harmony with the …

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

You have most certainly heard of the Red Cross for its actions around the world. When in Geneva, you should seize the opportunity to visit the Red Cross Museum, a place for reflection and raising awareness. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Its focus is to promote understanding of the history, current …

Conservatory & Botanical Garden

Conservatory & Botanical Garden

This fascinating park and 'living museum' hosts 16,000 plant varieties and the world’s largest herbarium. From its creation at the beginning of the 19th century, its beauty and its aim to spread knowledge have evolved continuously. The herbarium archive contains more than 6 million …

Patek Philippe Museum

Patek Philippe Museum

If you are interested in watches, this museum hosts an important collection of timepieces from the 16th century onward and the finest creations of this Geneva-based watchmaker. Nowhere else is the Swiss passion for clocks, watches and the passing of time as obvious as …

CERN

CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and has been behind numerous major discoveries. Here you can expand your scientific knowledge and explore the mysteries of the universe in an interactive Science …

The Smurfs Buildings

The Smurfs Buildings

Situated in the vibrant Grottes district, Les Schtroumpfs, also known as the Smurfs buildings, is a fascinating architectural gem. Built between 1982 and 1984 by three visionary architects, this whimsical housing complex draws inspiration from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and the iconic smurf houses from the comics. Featuring curved walls, irregular angles, and vibrant …

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO)

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO)

Established in 1994, the MAMCO is Switzerland's largest museum of contemporary art boasting an impressive collection of 4,000 items along with temporary …

Russian Orthodox Church

Russian Orthodox Church

Far away from its country of origin, this Russian Orthodox Church is nonetheless very typical, and its golden spires and splendid architecture are sure to take your breath away. It is highly photogenic and will transport you to another time and another place in an …

Bains des Pâquis (Outdoor Bath)

Bains des Pâquis (Outdoor Bath)

Due to Geneva’s ideal location by the lake, you can enjoy true city beach life at Bains des Pâquis, public bath houses on a pier in Lake Geneva, where you can swim with the local ducks and swans. This beach is very crowded during summer and offers all-season activities like a sauna, massages and …

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