A buzzing culture in Lausanne

Things are lively in the Olympic Capital! The cultural life in Lausanne keeps Lausanners quite busy: when they’re not visiting the latest exhibition at the Collection de l’Art Brut, the Olympic Museum or the Fondation de l’Hermitage, they can be found exploring Plateforme 10, the brand new Arts District. Not to forget the plays at the Théâtre de Vidy, the Arsenic, the Théâtre de Beaulieu or the Lausanne Opera, after which they meet up around drinks to chat about the performance. There are also the legendary concerts at the Docks and the performances by artists at the Festival de la Cité. Buzzing, cosmopolitan and accessible, culture is a reflection of Lausanne.

Must-see museums

Lausanne museums are always in the heat of the action to offer quality exhibitions that you will remember for a long time. Set off to discover those iconic places that Lausanners are always on the lookout for, as they wouldn’t miss something new for the world.
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Plateforme 10
Plateforme 10
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The Olympic Museum
The Olympic Museum
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Fondation de l'Hermitage
Fondation de l'Hermitage
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Lausanne History Museum
Lausanne History Museum
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Collection de l'Art Brut
Collection de l'Art Brut
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Palais de Rumine
Palais de Rumine
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Espace Arlaud
Espace Arlaud
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Pully Museum
Pully Museum

Our selection of not-to-be-missed exhibitions in Lausanne

Immerse yourself in the cultural effervescence of Lausanne! Discover exhibitions ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and contemporary art.

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Cultural highlights

Highlights mark Lausanne’s cultural life every year. Remember to add them to your calendar!
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Cully Jazz Festival
05.04.2024 - 13.04.2024
Event marker iconFestival dans le Bourg de Cully
Cully Jazz Festival
Head for Cully for concerts in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere!
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BDFIL - Lausanne Comic Strip Festival
15.04.2024 - 28.04.2024
Event marker iconDivers lieux dans le quartier de la gare
BDFIL - Lausanne Comic Strip Festival
Lausanne’s international comic strip festival has established itself as the must-go annual event for comic strip fans. Succumb to the magic of the “9th art” with a guest of honour, a guest country, exhibitions, workshops, talks, performances, screenings, artists’ signing sessions and more.
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The Dance Festival
01.05.2024 - 05.05.2024
Event marker iconDivers lieux
The Dance Festival
The Fête de la Danse (Dance Festival) in Lausanne is a few days in which to discover dance in theatres, cultural centres and public spaces. Shows, entertainment, parties, disco kids... Hundreds of dance classes everywhere, in every style, for young and old, beginners and enthusiasts alike!
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Music day
21.06.2024
Event marker iconDivers lieux
Music day
The Fête de la Musique is an opportunity to see concerts all over the city of Lausanne. Its streets, squares, parks and churches become stages for performances of every musical genre.
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Festival de la Cité, Lausanne
02.07.2024 - 07.07.2024
Event marker iconDivers lieux
Festival de la Cité, Lausanne
Lausanne and its historic district swing to the rhythms of Festival de la Cité. The programme combines theatre performances with music, dance, circus and installations. During this unique cultural week, it builds a bridge between the living arts, creations and urban culture.
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Lausanne and Pully Museum Night
21.09.2024
Lausanne and Pully Museum Night
This 23rd edition will offer you its share of surprises and wonder!
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Béjart Ballet Lausanne: Hamlet, Rhapsody in Blue and Boléro
14.06.2024 - 19.06.2024
Event marker iconThéâtre de Beaulieu
Béjart Ballet Lausanne: Hamlet, Rhapsody in Blue and Boléro
Two creations by guest choreographers, and Maurice Béjart’s “Boléro”, for the return of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL) to the Beaulieu Theater, in Lausanne, from June 14 to 19, 2024.
From CHF 30.-

25 ACTIVITIES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Thanks to the Lausanne City Pass, you don’t have to choose any more – all these pleasures are available to you!

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Art is everywhere in Lausanne

Sometimes, it’s just by walking around that we unearth incredible gems. Open your eyes wide and you’ll notice that art is everywhere in Lausanne.
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COFOP electrical cabinets
COFOP electrical cabinets
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Vidy Bowl
Vidy Bowl
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Art in the city
Art in the city
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HS36 – Skate park hall Sévelin 36
HS36 – Skate park hall Sévelin 36

Unique theatre plays that will thrill you

Theatre also sets the pace of life in Lausanne. Which is good news, as all tastes and interests are offered, including for the younger ones.
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Théâtre de Beaulieu
Théâtre de Beaulieu
With a seating capacity of more than 1600, the very latest in stage, s...
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Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne
Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne
Open to all and dedicated to contemporary creation, the Théâtre Vidy-L...
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Le Petit Théâtre
Le Petit Théâtre
Quality theatre performances for the youngest of audiences.
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Théâtre de l'Octogone
Théâtre de l'Octogone
Situated in Pully, near Lausanne, the Théâtre de l’Octogone is an impo...
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Théâtre Arsenic
Théâtre Arsenic
Every year, from September to June, original productions and internati...
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Manufacture
Manufacture
Founded in 2003 by the French-speaking cantons and the francophone sec...
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Théâtre de marionnettes de Lausanne
Théâtre de marionnettes de Lausanne
Located in Lausanne, close to the Bergières neighbourhood, the Marione...

Places to eat

Exploring museum galleries whets the appetite! After admiring the splendor of a work of art, the illusion of a perspective or the prowess of some elite athletes, there's nothing like a culinary experience to prolong the pleasure. Here are a few suggestions for places to feast.
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Le Nabi
Le Nabi
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Café Lumen
Café Lumen
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L'Esquisse
L'Esquisse
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Olympic Museum Restaurant
Olympic Museum Restaurant
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Arcadia
Arcadia
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Café de l’Arsenic
Café de l’Arsenic