Geneva, January 22, 2003
Geneva – worth a trip
Geneva, beautifully situated at the south side of Lac Leman, is always worth a trip.
It is famous for its sights, narrow streets where you can either shop around in one
of Geneva’s uncountable watch and jewellery shops or just sit in a cosy café or bar
to watch the busy business people walk by.
Geneva, as a city with international reputation, where a number of important events
have their headquarters, lies in a geographic centre point where about 7 million
people live over an area of just 150km. And so it’s no surprise that one while
visiting Geneva can clearly get an imagination how a so called ‘melting pot’ of
different nations can live together peacefully.
For me, Geneva always had (and still has) a special atmosphere. It all began as a
child reading enthusiastically ”Tim & Struppi” comics. The issue titled ”Der Fall
Bienlein” played partly in Geneva where the absent –minded professor Bienlein
stayed at Hotel Cornavin for one night. But this is another story…
Later in my life, already a Ferrari fan, I recognised that Geneva and especially the
Geneva Salon always was an important place to be for Ferrari history. Not to forget
the famous Scuderia Filipinetti which was founded in Geneva as well.
For this time I stayed at the Hotel Les Armures in the very heart of Geneva.
Although a little problem to find it by car, I can only warmly recommend this small
but exclusive Hotel with its famous traditional cooking. Even Bill Clinton and
Jimmy Carter enjoyed the cheese fondue in the restaurant of Hotel Les Armures !
The International Auto Museum
But between shopping and enjoying cheese fondue you have to visit one of
Geneva’s younger attractions: The International Auto Museum.
It opened its doors to the public in 1995 and since then there are over 400 vehicles
exhibited on 14,000m2 on two levels at the Palexpo complex, known for the
Geneva Salon. Many cars are donated on an interim basis from private collectors
and local car enthusiasts and the collection consists not only of sport cars but
utilitarian vehicles, prototypes and motorbikes etc..
Due to its ideal geographic location, next to the airport, railway station and Palexpo
(an international show and convention complex) the International Automobile
Museum can be reached easily.
This museum really has the right to wear the name ”International” because of its
basic concept based upon a complete encyclopaedia of the development of the
automobile since its early days, presenting the most important models
characteristic of the history of the leading manufacturers. I’ve never seen such a
variety of cars from different cultures, eras and nations gathered at one place.
In a specific area of the museum, temporary exhibits are organised on a quarterly
basis. These are thematic exhibits in connection with specifically important events
related to the history of the automobile, the development of means of
transportation, the development of the locomotion which has accompanied
mankind and some of its institutions for a century.
Ferraris of particular interest currently displayed
Ferrari 330 GTS red/beige s/n 11363 with extra Cibié lights
Ferrari 250 GT Lusso silver/black with soft top roof
Ferrari 500 Superfast silver/red s/n 5977SF
Ferrari 275 GTB longnose yellow/black with soft top roof & extra lamps in grille
Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 S2 red/beige RHD s/n 7843
Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Spyder conversion s/n 16603
Ferrari testarossa s/n 65241
Ferrari F40 s/n 84143
Dino 246 GTS yellow/black
Address details, entry fees and more
Voie-des-Traz 40
CH - 1218 Grand-Saconnex
Halle 7 de Palexpo
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