2024 Year in Review

A Pivotal Year for the Jardin des Nations 🌿

 

 

2024 marked a significant milestone for the Jardin des Nations. The third—and final—phase of the co-creation workshops took place on-site between February and August. This decisive period saw all stakeholders contributing to the discussions surrounding the future Localized District Plan.

Mandatories, a panel of experts, associations, government services, local residents, the City of Geneva, and the landowner worked together to develop a project that aligns with the landscape and heritage aspects of the site, while addressing the challenges of ecological transition.

 

 

👉 Our article on the third phase of the co-creation workshops will be available soon. You will find it under the “Future District” section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting Sustainable Transformation 🌱

 

 

Transitional urbanism has proven to be a key tool in supporting sustainable urban transformation. More than just a development approach, it helps evolve the project by directly involving future users.

The Jardin des Nations is not just a place for relaxation and activities; it is a true catalyst for ideas, where creativity, innovation, and collaboration meet.

This space for dialogue and exchange nourishes collective thinking and allows for testing new uses before their definitive implementation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Engaged Community, A Strong Ecosystem 🤝

 

 

In 2024, the Jardin des Nations continued its mission to strengthen the connections between local and international Geneva. Starting in April, we kicked off the season with a series of creative workshops and family-friendly activities. Local farmer’s markets showcased the richness of the Geneva region’s terroir, while weekly concerts brought the Geneva music scene to life with artists like Marius Micol, Double Time Jazz, and many others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jardin’s buvette, run by the La Barje association, was a hit, greatly contributing to the friendly and festive atmosphere that defines the place.

At the heart of our approach, transitional urbanism revitalized spaces in transition while focusing on ecological and inclusive practices. We also deepened our collaboration with local organizations such as La Ruche, which supports the Jardin on a daily basis, while offering social reintegration opportunities to vulnerable individuals.

The Geneve Cultive association, for its part, maintained local production that respects seasons and biodiversity. Every week, both locals and internationals came to support this initiative by purchasing environmentally grown products. In parallel, the association continued its educational actions, welcoming many students from the canton for discovery workshops.

 

👉 To read our article on the importance of local and sustainable farming, click here. [Link to the article]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Unprecedented Immersive Experiences 🚀

 

 

Space Odyssey: A Cosmic Adventure

 

Space Odyssey took visitors on an immersive journey aboard a spaceship. Its destination? The universe, its mysteries, and the elements that have shaped our world. This 45-minute journey, divided into three short films, offered visitors a unique experience of space exploration while highlighting the central role of CERN in global scientific research.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother-to-be?: A Unique and Singular Collaboration

 

 

With its deep roots in the heart of international Geneva, the Jardin des Nations was proud to host Mother-to-be? in 2024. The Swiss-Bernese visual artist and composer Cee-Roo, in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland, created this immersive experience, blending testimonies from around the world with sensory experiences, immersing viewers in the challenges and realities of motherhood.

 

The completion of this exceptional audiovisual work, which traces the journeys of 26 women from across the globe, took over a year. This long-term project required the artist to edit and arrange more than five hours of authentic and touching testimonies into a poignant narrative. To bring these voices to life, Cee-Roo also composed a custom musical score, featuring a choir of women and recordings from MSF’s field operations.

 

The experience paid tribute to the resilience of women in often challenging situations, illustrating the moments of both fragility and strength that accompany motherhood.

 

 

 

 

Highlights of 2024 🎉

 

In 2024, the Jardin des Nations continued to host large-scale events that enriched Geneva’s cultural programming. For the second consecutive year, we were privileged to host the Mapping Festival, a flagship event in the world of digital arts. This festival amazed visitors with world-class artistic projections, further solidifying the Jardin’s role as a major cultural space in Geneva.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Geneve Cultive association opened its doors to several amateur gardeners, offering them the opportunity to grow their own vegetables in a way that respects the site and its ecosystem. The project, which took three years to realize, provided these gardeners with personalized advice and support tailored to their goals. Additionally, Geneve Cultive hosted multiple Potager meals, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly harvested produce in a convivial and idyllic setting. We look forward to offering even more opportunities next year to share the harvest in delightful moments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In June, the Jardin des Nations celebrated the cultural richness of two nations: Romania and Moldova. This day highlighted UNESCO-listed heritage, including traditional Romanian embroidery, and featured creative workshops and a fashion show that merged tradition and modernity. The immersive exhibition allowed visitors to dive into the art and culture of these two countries, while a gastronomic banquet offered a taste of authentic regional flavors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing Thoughts 🔚

 

 

In 2024, the Jardin des Nations strengthened its role as a cultural and social crossroads at the heart of Geneva. With a rich and diverse program and strong partnerships with local associations, this year was marked by moments of sharing, reflection, and collective engagement. From immersive experiences to cultural events, as well as local initiatives like Geneva Cultive, the Jardin served as a bridge between local and international Geneva, promoting sustainability and cultural diversity.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain driven by the desire to continue our mission: to enrich our collaborations, innovate, and offer even more opportunities for discovery, connection, and awareness. We thank you for being part of this journey and look forward to welcoming you again to continue making the Jardin des Nations a unique, inspiring, and engaged place at the heart of Geneva.