Genève 1958

This elegant 1958 original travel poster showcases the refined beauty of Genève, Switzerland’s international city, rendered in crisp photographic realism. Published by the Swiss National Tourist Office during the golden age of mid-century tourism, this piece is both a celebration of Geneva’s iconic landscape and a subtle emblem of Swiss precision and cosmopolitan calm.

Dominating the composition is the famous Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s monumental water fountain and enduring symbol of the city. Captured in full vertical motion, the fountain pierces the crystal-clear blue sky, its spray appearing almost stitched into the canvas. The horizon opens onto the city’s gracious Belle Époque architecture, nestled between the serene waters of Lac Léman and the distant alpine peaks of the Mont Blanc massif.

In the foreground, the viewer is invited into a moment of leisure: promenaders stroll the manicured lakefront, lovers recline on benches, and sailboats gently ply the water’s surface. The image captures not just a place, but a way of life — graceful, orderly, and in perfect harmony with nature.

The typography is minimal and poetic: the word “Genève” is handwritten across the top in an airy, white cursive that evokes both skywriting and embroidery. It floats, as if whispered above the scenery, elegant and ephemeral.

This poster is a masterclass in Swiss photographic travel design — a movement that prized clarity, elegance, and understatement. Far from the dramatic vistas of alpine sports posters, this image appeals to lovers of culture, diplomacy, and refined urban life. It reflects Geneva’s identity not only as a picturesque destination, but also as a world capital of peace, dialogue, and luxury.

A striking piece of Swiss visual heritage, this poster remains a coveted collectible for those drawn to classic travel imagery, 1950s modernism, and the enduring appeal of Switzerland’s lakeside cities.

Tourism - Photography - Switzerland

Lake Geneva

Printed by Fretz AG in Zurich

Good condition, slight creases