The International Museum of the Red Cross was inaugurated on 29 October 1988 in the presence of Swiss federal and cantonal government representatives, members of the permanent missions to the United Nations Office in Geneva and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the League and many National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.The Museum, initially conceived to provide the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement with a means of becoming better known, attracting funds and inspiring young people, is the outcome of twelve years of tireless effort. Its purpose is not only to document the creation and expansion of the Movement, but also and above all to pay tribute to man's humanity throughout the centuries. As underscored by Mr. Otto Stich, President of the Swiss Confederation, who cut the inaugural ribbon, the International Museum of the Red Cross is “a testimony to the deed, the word or the look that, in the midst of war, violence and disaster, assists and saves”.This is an accurate portrayal of the Museum, which emphasizes humanitarian endeavours rather than war and violence.