In 1973, a handful of art lovers created Amam– a joint project to create a modern art museum in Geneva. After twenty years of tenacious effort, the association managed to convince the Geneva city authorities to make a building available for the museum. Then, thanks to seven private donors, the necessary funds were raised.

On the basis of his project Christian Bernard was chosen as the first director of the museum and formed a competent team to work with him.
Opened in 1994, MAMCO has become a key player in the cultural landscape of the city and a pioneer institution on the international cultural scene.

Since the 1st of January 2005, MAMCO has been managed by the public foundation, Fondamco, which brings together the Mamco Foundation, the Canton and City of Geneva. Its resources are provided by the material and financial support of the two public communities, the contributions of its founders and co-founders as well as patrons and donors.
Lionel Bovier has been the director of the MAMCO since January 1st, 2016.

The MAMCO renews its exhibitions almost entirely three times a year and is the youngest, largest and most contemporary art museum in Switzerland.