The Olympic Museum in Lausanne offers more than just a display of medals – it’s an inspiring journey through the history of sport and human achievement. With over 10,000 artifacts, including torches, medals, archival footage, and immersive digital exhibits, it brings the Olympic spirit to life. Set on the shores of Lake Geneva in a scenic park, the museum is a must-visit for sports lovers and those who appreciate the cultural impact of the Games.
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What is this place
The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is the IOC’s flagship museum on the Ouchy lakefront. It combines large interactive galleries on the Games’ history with a terraced sculpture park.
Key features
- Inaugurated on 23 June 1993 (Olympic Day) – the IOC’s official museum on Lake Geneva.
- Fully refurbished 2012–2013, reopened 21 December 2013 with a renewed multimedia concept.
- ~3,000 m² of exhibitions with ~1,500 objects and ~150 screens, from antiquity to today.
- ~8,000 m² Olympic Park with 43 sculptures and activity installations overlooking the Alps.
- Top-floor restaurant and an IOC museum shop.
What to see
- The permanent exhibition on the origins of the Games, torches, medals and athletes’ gear.
- Immersive halls with giant screens and interactives; outdoors, a light-paced “100 m” sprint.
- The terraced park with sculptures and lake views.
History
Planned by the IOC, the museum opened on the Ouchy waterfront in 1993, designed initially by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez with Jean-Pierre Cahen. In 1995, it received the European Museum of the Year Award.
After a major makeover in 2012–2013, it reopened on 21.12.2013 with expanded displays and media. Today the site integrates exhibition floors, event spaces, a restaurant and a sculpture garden.
Practical information
Location: Quai d’Ouchy 1, 1006 Lausanne (Ouchy-Olympique district).
Getting there: Metro M2 to Ouchy-Olympique or Jordils, then ~10 min lakeside walk; buses 21/25 to Musée Olympique, 24 to Parc Musée Olympique.
Access: Ticketed entry to the building; lifts and assisted access inside, terraced park has steps.
Visiting hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00, Mon closed; closed 24/25/31 Dec and 1 Jan.
Visit duration: 1.5–2 h for galleries; up to 3 h incl. park and café.
Best time: Clear days for the park; weekday mornings for quieter rooms.
Notes: Tickets – adults CHF 20, concessions CHF 14, under-15s free; Lausanne City Pass includes entry or 20% off; park free during opening hours.
