Explore the life and work of Voltaire, concentrating on his formative years in Geneva when he produced key Enlightenment writings such as Candide. The presentation examines his intellectual methods, satirical strategies, and themes of exile, travel and religious critique. It investigates how local experiences influenced his literary production and political thought, revealing the links between personal circumstance and broader eighteenth-century debates about reason, tolerance and public engagement.

In French.

Taline Garibian and Jérémie Foa lead a discussion on extreme violence, its manifestations, and ways of managing it, in collaboration with the Haute école de musique, where students provide a musical welcome. Moderated by Alexis Favre, a journalist with RTS, this conversation is part of the “Rencontres des Délices,” a series of debates organized by the Library of Geneva and the Maison de l’Histoire at the University of Geneva. These discussions aim to delve into political and collective violence.

In French.

This guided tour investigates how Voltaire’s image circulated from portraits to public effigies and how his legacy has been contested in recent debates. It explores the production and dissemination of his likeness across Europe, examines how public monuments mediate historical memory, and addresses controversies such as vandalism and removal of statues. The tour reveals the tensions between celebrating Voltaire as a champion of free expression and reassessing his place in contemporary public space.

In French.

Sylvie Lindeperg and Maurine Mercier delve into how war narratives—spanning reportage, propaganda, and fiction—shape the understanding of conflicts and document their many memories. This event, in collaboration with the University of Music, where students will provide a musical welcome, is moderated by Alexis Favre. It is part of the Rencontres des Délices series, designed to reflect on past and present political and collective violence.

In French.

Delphine Diaz and Bertrand Taithe engage in a discussion on the challenges of migration and humanitarian aid in conflict zones, highlighting the unique insights historians can offer on these issues. The event includes a musical introduction in partnership with the Haute école de musique. Facilitated by Alexis Favre, this meeting is organized by the Bibliothèque de Genève and the Maison de l’Histoire at the University of Geneva as part of the Rencontres des Délices series.

In French.