Musée Ariana was built at the end of the 19th century by Gustave Revilliod (1817–1890), a generous patron and collector, and occupies a uniquely eclectic space that blends neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque styles, with a strong influence from Italian palatial architecture.
Musée Ariana is entirely dedicated to glass and ceramics, and houses over 28,000 objects, making it the only museum of its kind in Switzerland and one of the most significant in Europe. The ceramic collection encompasses all techniques — terracotta, earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain — and ranges from ceremonial masterpieces to modest everyday items, illustrating the material’s fascinating history across time and space. The glass collection, which is made up of around 2,500 pieces, charts the evolution of European glassmaking from the 16th century to the present, showcasing a wide array of techniques, including blown, engraved, and filigree glass.