The Bibliothèque de Genève presents the exhibition “La Nuit de l’Escalade” (The Night of the Escalade) in its Couloir des coups d’œil. It is open from 2 to 24 December 2026 at the Bastions.
The story
The exhibition shows illustrations from two books of the early 20th century.
“La Nuit de l’Escalade” was published in 1915. Pastor Alexandre Guillot wrote the text and painter Édouard Elzingre made the pictures.
Its sequel, “Le Siècle de la Réforme” (The Century of the Reformation), followed in 1917.
This second book traces the events leading up to the night of December 1602.
On the night of 11 to 12 December 1602, the troops of Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy tried to scale Geneva’s walls.
Geneva repelled the attack. The city commemorates it every year.
The Compagnie de 1602 has more than 2,000 members. Each year it recreates scenes of 17th-century Geneva life.
Since 2018, the Escalade festivities have been on Switzerland’s list of living traditions.
In 2026, the Compagnie’s celebrations take place from 11 to 13 December.
Who organises it
The Bibliothèque de Genève organises the exhibition in collaboration with the Compagnie de 1602.
Nicolas Schaetti is the curator.
What to find
A selection of Édouard Elzingre’s illustrations brings the Escalade to life.
The exhibition is suitable for all ages.
Practical information
- Dates, 2–24 December 2026
- Times, Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 12 noon
- Venue, Bibliothèque de Genève, Couloir des coups d’œil, Promenade des Bastions 8, 1205 Geneva
- Price, free admission
- Age, all ages
Links
- City of Geneva, exhibition page
- Official site of the Bibliothèque de Genève
- Official site of the Compagnie de 1602
- All events across French-speaking Switzerland, Genève Infos Agenda
Sources
- City of Geneva, exhibition page, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Compagnie de 1602, home page, accessed on 14 November 2026
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