Geneva is stereotypically known to be filled with diplomats and bankers.  Not something the average kid wants to see when travelling through a European city.  Luckily the Natural History Museum of the City of Geneva is a great place for kids, and, because admission is completely free, a great way to save a bit of money in notoriously expensive Geneva.

There’s nothing like walking into a museum and being met by a dinosaur. And a two-headed tortoise named Janus.  A fitting moniker, considering Janus’ namesake was the Roman god of gates, often depicted with two heads.  Janus has become a bit of a cult favorite at the museum; there is even a two-headed tortoise donation bin just in front of the large dinosaur.  Proving once and for all, that dinosaurs might be impressive, but it’s the tortoise that keeps plodding along, even today.

Janus, lives a sparse existence in a terrarium in the foyer of the museum.  That sparse existence though, according to the museum, is for Janus’ safety.  Instead, Janus spends the days idly in his terrarium, eating lettuce. Despite his lack of movement, Janus draws a crowd, and I found myself waiting patiently as children much younger than me admired the two-headed tortoise.

The Natural History Museum in Geneva is great to remember when doing your European travel planning.  Especially if you have kids. Or if you are 26 and still act like one when confronted with a two-headed tortoise. I’d also recommend a walk through Bastions Park.  There are many other free things to do in Geneva highlighted by guest author Margaret Docherty.

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