Fine arts, museums, galleries

Lausanne prides itself on possessing a great riches and a fine diversity of museums offering numerous permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions. From the Roman remains of Lousonna in Vidy all the way to the Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts, art brut, fine arts and photography, there are 18 museums worth visiting. These museums include for example:

• Collection de l'Art brut
• Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire
• Musée Olympique
• Galerie Knapp
• Galerie Alice Pauli
• Musée du Vieil Ouchy

Architecture

Sculpture Ouchy (Ouverture au Monde)

This stainless steel sculpture by artist Angelo Duarte has unequivocally adapted to the city’s rather conservative atmosphere and nowadays represents a well-known and sought-after artefact, appealing to a great deal of tourists who come at this place every year. The work was a gift from Rotary International to the Town of Lausanne on the occasion of its worldwide meeting.

Duarte’s masterpiece was originally placed in the "Comptoir Suisse" Gardens in Beaulieu; nevertheless, later it was transferred to the Osche pier in Ouchy. "Ouverture au Monde" is made of by 6 semi-hyperboloids, constructed by 36 diamond-shaped panels.

Lausanne Cathedral

Lausanne Cathedral, work by Jean de Cotereel, is usually referred to Switzerland's finest Gothic building and it by no means lags after the greatest of French Gothic structures.

Its gracefully proportioned towers, turrets and spires rise into the sky whereas the south facade is strewn with a magnificent Gothic rose window. The outstanding flying buttresses, moreover, encircle the exterior and thus perfectly flesh out the unique ambience.

The Cathedral gates are sumptuously ornamented with carved sculptures and relieves. The interior Great Porch, an extremely august open arcade with two lines of columns, sort of resembles English cathedrals such as the one of Canterbury.

Parks and Zoos

Olympic Park in Ouchy

Boasting with a perfect location, the Olympic Park is situated upon a hill looking out over Lake Geneva in the village of Ouchy, just a few minutes from Lausanne by tram.

Park Mon Repos

Mon Repos, meaning "my rest", perfectly suits its real character as a tranquil, “chill-out” park. It is hidden out of the city’s centre; nevertheless, an evening walk from the park towards downtown is definitely a great experience. One may get a beautiful view, some vast open spaces, and a few sculptures. This is also the place where Switzerland's Highest Court and Federal Tribunal are located.