Zoo

Zoo is an electronic-music venue at Place des Volontaires 4 in Geneva, on the first floor of the L’Usine cultural centre. It began operating in 1999, replacing the Débido, which had served as a café, brasserie and events space. L’Usine occupies a former gold-processing building that opened in 1850. Zoo is managed by the association L’Animalerie, which also runs events there. The association is self-financed, and the venue’s seasonal programme has included more than 100 events, featuring international artists and providing a platform for performers from Geneva and Romandie.

The programme covers techno, house, psytrance and drum and bass, with DJ and VJ culture among its strands; VJ performances feature at weekends. Events take place during the day and at night. Zoo shares the building with Le Rez, where events have separate music programmes. UBIK is the resident sound system for the club’s Dub Arena nights. Artists who have played Zoo include Laurent Garnier, Ellen Allien, Ben Klock and Harriet Jaxxon. Braises de Velours and AC13 have also performed at the venue.