Founded in 1818, the Société de Lecture (SDL) is a cultural institution nestled in Geneva’s Old Town. Housed in an 18th-century building, the SDL serves as a hub for relaxed intellectual exchange. Functioning as a library with an extensive book collection, the Société de Lecture also hosts diverse cultural events, including a full rich program of literary conferences, debates, workshops, and even yoga classes. Notably, it offers a diverse program for children.
François-Henri Désérable, novelist and former professional hockey player, is known for award-winning books including Évariste and Mon maître et mon vainqueur, which won the Grand Prix du roman de l’Académie française. In Le Palais he explores the world of wine, aroma and memory through Arun Kumar, an outlaw genius with an extraordinary palate. This lecture examines Désérable’s themes of sensory memory, narrative craft and the novel’s exploration of taste and identity.
In French.
Set off on a gentle, musical tale that celebrates friendship and wonder, especially for the youngest children. Storyteller Casilda Regueiro combines voice, movement and song to animate a voyage from a silent city to the countryside, a farm and the seaside. Children will follow playful encounters, hear vivid sounds, see lively gestures and be invited to imagine together in a warm, sensory performance that sparks curiosity and connection.
In French. Kids ages 2–5.
Alain Perroux, the newly appointed general director, reflects on the life and music of Swiss composer Frank Martin, drawing on memory, analysis and anecdotes. The talk is punctuated by performances of Martin’s Jedermann Monologues by baritone Georgiy Derbas‑Richter, accompanied at the piano by Jean‑Paul Pruna. Together they explore compositional techniques, dramatic expression and the personal narratives that shaped Martin’s work, offering historical context and musical insight.
In French.
Colum McCann, the Irish novelist and author of numerous acclaimed works, presents Twist, a gripping study of technology, isolation and human fragility. The novel dives beneath the surface of the west African coast to examine the fragile network of fibre‑optic cables that carry global information and the human stories entwined with them. McCann explores connection, disconnection and environmental and social consequences with piercing insight. The session will be moderated by Clare O’Dea.
In English.
Sun Tzu taught us the art of war. Renowned political scientist Bertrand Badie invites us to consider what we might gain if we finally learned the art of peace. Drawing on his latest book, The Art of Peace, he explores how dialogue, cooperation, and collective action can help shape a different approach to conflict and international relations.
The Geneva Peace Forum brings together decision-makers, experts, civil society and international organisations to reflect on today’s most pressing challenges around peace and conflict prevention.
In partnership with the Geneva Peace Forum.
In French.
Move through Geneva’s streets on a lively guided tasting that links nine artisan chocolate shops with local stories and techniques. At each stop participants sample signature creations while the guide explains the historical and craft traditions behind the flavours. The route emphasizes a convivial, exploratory pace through urban passages, offering sensory discoveries and conversations with master chocolatiers. Suitable for walkers comfortable with a city stroll and curious about culinary heritage.
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