On November 29 2024, EMBA students of 1 and 2 years as well as alumni visited Maison Rousseau et Littérature in the heart of Geneva.
The visit was thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of both Rousseau’s legacy and the role of the Maison today. The director, Donatella Bernardi, began with a presentation on Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his work, giving us a deeper appreciation of his influence. This was followed by a tour of the museum, an exploration of the historic house, and finally, an engaging presentation about the Foundation that oversees the Maison.
Donatella explained how the Foundation operates, who manages it, and the various projects it undertakes, including its unique residency program for authors. The visit was an inspiring and enriching experience, offering insights into the projects currently being developed at the Maison and sparking discussions about future opportunities for collaboration.
Maison Rousseau et Littérature (MRL) is a cultural center located in the heart of Geneva’s old city. It operates under a private-law Foundation, overseen by a board of directors and managed by an executive director and her team. MRL is housed in the building where Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in 1712. Over the centuries, the building has served various purposes, but it was completely renovated between 2019 and 2021 to host the MRL organization.
MRL serves two primary missions. First, it promotes Rousseau’s work to diverse audiences. Second, it organizes and hosts public events, including creative writing workshops with local, national, and international writers. Each floor of the building is dedicated to different activities, and the Maison also serves as a residence for writers-in-residence. The organization is supported by the State of Geneva (République et canton de Genève) and private donations. Striking the right balance between fundraising and designing high-quality cultural programs remains one of MRL’s key challenges.
