The Jet d’eau: a symbol rich in history
Invented almost by chance, the Jet d'Eau embodies the ambition, dynamism and international renown of a city that is respectful of its environment. Discover the history of this symbol of Geneva through guided tours organised by SIG.
History
Since 1891, the Jet d'Eau has been enlivening the heart of Geneva. As the owner of this water monument, SIG ensures its ongoing operation and maintenance.
At the end of the 19th century, Geneva craftsmen used to the energy generated by a hydraulic plant located on the Rhone to operate their machinery. To release the excess pressure that built up during the evening time when any activity had ceased, it was decided to create a valve – and this is how the Jet d’Eau was born, which only measured a “mere" 30 metres.
A few years later, the City of Geneva decided to turn it into a tourist attraction. The Jet was then moved to the end of the Eaux-Vives wharf, in the centre of the bay.
It was not until 1951 that the Jet d’Eau reached its current size of 140 metres. This technical feat was made possible by building an autonomous pumping station.
To celebrate awareness-raising, humanitarian or promotional events of international Geneva, the Jet is adorned with the most beautiful colours that light up the heart of the bay.
Today, five volunteer SIG retirees watch over it to ensure its proper working order and to shut it down when weather conditions require it, be it when temperatures drop to around zero degrees, when the wind is too strong, etc.
The Jet d’Eau in live
Key figures
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140 metres high
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200 km/h projection velocity
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500 litres/s flow rate
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1891 year the Jet d'eau was created
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13 all-LED projectors in the lighting enclosure and 8 on the rotunda
Jet d’Eau working hours
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)
From Monday to Thursday : from 10 a.m to sunset (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)
From Friday to Sunday : from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m (with lighting)
From 9 a.m. to 11.15 p.m. (with lighting)
From Monday to Thursday : from 10:00 a.m to sunset (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)
From Friday to Sunday : from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m (with lighting)
Shutdown of the Jet d’Eau for maintenance work
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)
Next illuminations
December 10: International Human Rights Day - orange color
December 12: Escalade Festival – Geneva’s color
December 16: Awarding of the "Geneva Recognizes" Medal to the "Savoir Patient" Association and its Breast Cancer Network - pink color
December 31: New Year's Eve – Geneva’s color
Tour information
Target audience
These guided tours are suitable for companies, schools, organisations and public bodies.
They are organised for groups from 10 to 12 peoples. Recommended age: from 10 years old
Please note: Visits are unsuitable for persons with reduced mobility.
Tour information
From 1 April to 31 October: every day of the week except Tuesdays.
Tours take place in the morning, one hour before the Jet is switched on (see schedules).
Duration : 1h00
Languages : French and English
Price
Tours are free for schools, organisations and public bodies.
For companies, the price is CHF 300 per guide (12 people).
Registration is mandatory.
Registration
Once you have filled out our form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
For more information, contact us via visites.sites@sig-ge.ch, or at 022 420 85 81.
In view of the high number of local requests that we receive, we would like to inform you that we can no longer welcome visitors from regions other than Switzerland or “Greater Geneva”.
Thank you for your understanding.