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What will the "Fantôme de l'Ariana" think of UNOG's new anti-smoking policy for Ar

  • Unogsa
  • May 23, 2019
  • 2 min read

Gustave de Revilliod (1817 - 1890) was a wealthy Genevan politician, writer and passionate arts collector. Patron of the arts, Gustave amassed an impressive collection of porcelain from the farthest corners of the world, which he housed in his beautiful Museum "Ariana". More than 30,000 pieces of art and 10,000 books found their home in the Museum which was built in 1884.

When he died, and since he had no children, Gustave left his inheritance to the City of Geneva subject to several conditions including: 1) that all open-air lands should become a "public" park, 2) that trees and all other vegetation should be left intact, and those that die should be replaced with "identical" species, and 3) that he be buried at the property.

In his own words, Gustave said:

"...Cette propriété est léguée par moi à la Ville de Genève et à ses habitants, mes compatriotes, pour en avoir la jouissance, à la charge par elle et par eux, de conserver à l'un et à l'autre, à perpétuité, leur destination de musée et de parc public, sans que cette destination puisse jamais, dans son tout et dans ses parties, être détérioriée, ni changée en autres conditions..."

and also,

"...Je désire que les plantations existant dans ma propriété de Varembé soient intégralement respectées, sans diminution ni augmentation, et que les arbres qui viendront à mourir dorénavant soient remplacés par des arbres de même espèces. Les mouvements de terrain ne seront point changés. ..."

The legend has it that "Fantôme" of Gustave de Revilliod was NOT happy with how his wishes were disrespected, and of what has become of Ariana park. Since years ago, he is reported to have been roaming the hallways of Palais des Nations, especially during the night. Some security officers have privately reported to us even "seeing" the fantôme, but this we could not independently verify.

Since smoking is legally allowed in Geneva, and indeed Swiss public parks and outdoor areas, the question is: "what will the fantôme of Ariana think about this latest UNOG anti-smoking policy banning smoking in the Ariana Park?"


 
 
 

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