Fondation Autrefois Genève

The Foundation is the leading institution in the Canton of Geneva for the collection, digitisation, preservation, indexation, storage and promotion of all audiovisual material on the history of Geneva, as well as the city’s values, traditions and craftsmanship, from the past to the present day.  Since 2005, the television programme “Autrefois Genève” has sought to highlight Genevan heritage. Shown on the Léman Bleu TV channel, it features reports on local culture, based on archive films, images and stories from local people. The programme recalls important past events that have made their mark on the Canton, for example the first Geneva Motor Show in 1905, the Federal Gymnastics Festival in 1925, or the “snowfall of the century” in 1985, which paralysed the City of Calvin. All these moments in history form the collective memory of Geneva and its inhabitants. The Foundation was created with the firm intention of preserving the audiovisual heritage of historic Geneva and the surrounding area. Audiovisual data are managed professionally so that information can be immediately accessed to plan communication projects and organise events. This allows the Foundation to play its part in showcasing Genevan heritage and bringing it to life.