About Le Musée Olympique
Available: Tuesday-Sunday, all year except public holidays
Example travel costs
Swiss Travel Pass: FREE
Montreux Riviera Card: FREE as far as Vevey, then 10 Sfr (return)
Half Fare Card: 13 Sfr return from Montreux
Entrance payable locally: 20 Sfr per adult, FREE for under 16 years. FREE entry with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Did you know that the International Olympic Committee is headquartered in Lausanne? While you are in the region it is well worth visiting Le Musée Olympique to explore the history of the Games, wonder at the diverse memorabilia and celebrate the art, culture and passion for international sport. There are plenty of interactive exhibits to enjoy and the museum in set in widespread gardens on the shore of Lake Geneva.
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Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Highlights
The Olympic Park
Arrive at the Musée and step into the 8000 square metres of parkland which contains 43 works of art and installations, all on a sporting theme. Marvel at the displays of records set by athletes and see how you measure up to Usain Bolt on the athletics track. The gardens are the perfect place from which to enjoy a fabulous view of Lake Geneva. Heading towards the Museum entrance you will find the Olympic motto - Faster, Higher, Stronger - and the ever-burning Olympic flame.
**As 2024 is an Olympics year, there will be celebrations and activities in the gardens**
Permanent Exhibition
Relive great Olympic moments, feel the pulse of the champions and discover the creative flair of the host cities. The Museum spans 3 floors of exhibition space, with over 1,500 objects and 150 screens, all of which create a memorable experience. The tour of the museum is self-guided - you can download a free audio guide to listen along to on your smartphone. Children will enjoy the museum trail leaflet with its facts and quizzes.
The Olympic World
Explore the history from Greek antiquity to Pierre de Coubertin's vision for a modern Games. The first Olympic flag dating from 1913 is on display as are all the torches since 1936. Take a look at the iconic posters through the years, and learn about the evolution of the Olympic mascots.
London 2012 focus: mascots Wenlock and Mandeville (the traditional games in Much Wenlock in Shropshire were an inspiration for de Coubertin); models of the Velodrome and Anish Kapoor's 'Orbit' tower; costumes from the opening ceremony.
The Olympic Games
Discover how sporting competitions have transformed via objects, images and stories of great champions. Don't miss the sporting clothing and equipment used by some of the greatest athletes including Bolt's jersey and Federer's racquet. Experience the dynamism of the Games through an unforgettable 180° audiovisual show.
UK focus: Charlotte Cooper's 1900 tennis racquet, the first female athlete to win a gold medal; Torville and Dean's 'Bolero' costumes; Sir Chris Hoy's cycling equipment.
The Olympic Spirit
Immerse yourself in the Olympic spirit with the athletes! With plenty of interactive exhibits you can discover how competitors of various disciplines prepare for the Games and appreciate their quest for excellence. Also in this area is a display containing the Games medals from 1896 to the present day.
London 2012 focus: The 2012 peace wall representing
the values of the Olympic Games (all athletes were invited to sign their name or leave messages on the wall); intriguing statistics such as the number of kilos of meat
eaten by the athletes in the Olympic Village during the Games.
TOM Café
Located on the top floor of the museum, the TOM Café stands out with its contemporary décor. Its terrace is one of the most sought-after in Lausanne, offering spectacular views over
Lake Geneva and the Alps. Sports fans will be fascinated by the Olympic memorabilia displayed around the bar.
From Tuesdays to Fridays there is a delicious seasonal menu including a plat du jour and a glass of wine for 30 Sfr. On weekends try the famous Olympic Museum brunch, an amazing all you can eat buffet. 68 Sfr per person; reservation is strongly advised.
Souvenirs
The gift shop is a great
place to end your Olympic Museum experience. It offers an exclusive range of
quirky, original souvenirs. Choose from vintage products closely linked with past Olympics, replicas of works by famous artists inspired by the
Olympic movement, latest merchandise from current or
forthcoming Olympic Games and many souvenirs bearing the Olympic Museum logo. There is also a special area for Swatch, with an exclusive series of Olympic-themed vintage watches based on past
Games.
Directions
The Musée Olympique is located in Lausanne and can be reached easily for those staying in the town, as well as from the holiday resorts of Montreux, Vevey and Villars.
The Museum is very close to the lake at Ouchy. From the centre of Lausanne you can walk or take the Métro to Ouchy-Olympique.
From Montreux or Vevey, take the train to Lausanne then the Métro (40 minutes from Montreux, 30 from Vevey). Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely journey by cruising along the lake to the Ouchy boat station.
From Villars, take the bus/train to Lausanne via Aigle, around 1 hour 50 minutes.
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com