Photo credit: ©DylanPerrenoud
When we heard that the Maison Rousseau et Littérature (MRL) in Geneva was giving tours in English, we had to catch up with the people involved. The tour guide, Ariel Pierre Haemmerlé, who we know personally through articles here about his tours of Carouge, and recent books about Geneva here, here, and here, makes this connection extra special. We caught up with Sabrina Colongo, in charge of Communication for MRL, who answered a few of our questions.
What has been the inspiration behind this tour?
We wanted to share the story and principles of Rousseau under a modern and relevant light. That’s why the Rousseau Path, instead of following a classic chronological/biographical order, is organised between 7 recurring thematic aspects of his work: nature, freedom, happiness etc. The permanent exhibitions clearly shows how relevant his views still are today.
The history of MRL
Born from the merge in 2012 of "L’Espace Rousseau" and la "Maison de la littérature" after years of negociation, it is the result of a dream that some may have called… a little bit crazy. For the past decade, it has fulfilled its two main purposes : honor the memory and the work of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and promote French-Swiss literature to a very diverse audience (students, locals, senior citizens, children, people with disabilities, tourists etc.).
What is the biggest obstacle MRL has had to overcome in the last years?
Probably the merge of the two associations followed by the thorough refurbishement of the building. What a challenge! We are proud to be where we’re at now and we are also looking forwrad to what the future has to offer.
Photo credit: ©DylanPerrenoud
What are the plans for the future?
Keep offering a diverse and inclusive program to attract a growing number of visitors.
What is the favorite part of the MRL and why?
I guess, to each their own! Some people will love wandering through the Rousseau path, learning about the life and work of the famous French philosopher. Some other will love to relax and read a good book in our cosy café. And the fans of architecture will – without a single doubt – love the refurbished historical building.
Anything else you think our readers would like to know.
Come to our free monthly guided tour! And if you want some extra info, do not hesitate to call me or send me an email. I’d be more than happy to respond to any request in French or in English.
The KIAP Events Calendar link.
On the first floor, there is a path telling the tremendous works of the famous philosopher born there in 1712.
This path is not chronological, but thematic and displays his thoughts. They set the basis of so many things which are obvious today, but triggered scandals at the time. They positively influence our lives until today.
The path is self-explanatory, you can go there on your own, paying a small entrance fee.
But some people like to be told the stories. For this, you can hire a guide or simply come to one of the free commented tours in French every first Sunday of the month at 14h. They last a little more than one hour. NEW: now, these free commented tours come also in English every first Sunday of the month at 11h30.
Every first Sunday of each month (even during summer!) starting at 11h30, a free English guided tour of the Rousseau Path at MRL. Here is the link to the next dates :
4 May 2025: https://m-r-l.ch/evenement/rousseau-whistleblower-3/
1 June 2025: https://m-r-l.ch/evenement/rousseau-whistleblower-4/
Maison Rousseau et Littérature
Grand-Rue 40
1204 Genève
The Maison Rousseau & Littérature is situated in Geneva's old town (near the Café de l’Hôtel de Ville).
