Lausanne Historical Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland

Housed in the bishop’s palace, the oldest parts of which date back to the 11th century, Lausanne Historical Museum has since 1918 been telling the story of the city of Lausanne and the economic, social and urban changes it has experienced.

In its permanent exhibition, it tells the story of Lausanne, from its prehistoric origins through to the economic, social and urban revolutions of the 19th century.

The collections boast a wealth of iconographic exhibits presenting the city, its inhabitants and their ways of life, including oil paintings, engravings, maps, posters and photographs, the first plates of which date back from the time of the pioneers in 1840. These are complemented by thousands of objects, including pewter, costumes, pottery, furniture and tools, with an outstanding selection of pieces of Lausanne silverware taking pride of place.

The most amazing item is surely the incredible model representing 17th century Lausanne on a 1/200 scale. It is based on a 1638 map made from a high view point and the first cadastral map of 1723.

References:

Lausanne City

Museums in Switzerland

User Reviews

Sabine Munshi (2 years ago)
Wonderful museum. Very immersive. The temporary exhibitions are always great. There is a gem of a find, their cafe. You have to ask the front desk to let you in and it’s a beautiful terrace with a view of the city. I really shouldn’t tell you this as it is so nice and quiet and quaint.

Petra Drašković (2 years ago)
I have been living in Lausanne for almost ten years and finally now got to learn about it's architecture, history and influences throughout the years. The museum is wonderful, really immersive and the staff is great. Check out their bookshop with historical and contemporary photo books on daily trips, famous restaurants in Lausanne and other interesting things you can visit.

Michelle LI (2 years ago)
Very comprehensive explanation of Lausanne history in both French and English. Worth visiting.

ludovico filotto (2 years ago)
A lovely location and an interesting museum, but a bit confusing because the heterogeneous collection of items is not explained in a clear fashion on not very legible signs. Still worth a visit.

S. Ilona Horvath (4 years ago)
Comprehensive and interactive museum, telling you via themes and topical objects the history of our fair city. Check out their themed birthday activities

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.

Lausanne Historical Museum

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