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The Collection de l'Art Brut in Lausanne is a world-renowned museum dedicated to “Outsider Art,” showcasing unique and unconventional artistic expressions created outside traditional academic boundaries. The term “Art Brut” (raw art) was coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet, who believed in the purity of artworks created by individuals who operate outside of established cultural norms, including psychiatric patients, prisoners, and the socially marginalized. The museum is both an artistic sanctuary and a cultural beacon, attracting visitors fascinated by creativity in its rawest form.
The Collection de l'Art Brut is conveniently located in the center of Lausanne and is well-served by public transportation.
By Train: Arrive at Lausanne Main Station (Gare de Lausanne). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk or a short ride on public transport.
By Metro: Take Metro Line M2 to the “Riponne–Maurice Béjart” station, then walk approximately 5 minutes.
By Bus: Local buses (Lines 1, 2, or 7) have stops near the museum.
By Car: Paid public parking is available in the vicinity, including the Riponne parking garage.
By Foot: Located in the Beaulieu neighborhood, it's an enjoyable walk through Lausanne’s historic quarters.
Lausanne experiences a temperate climate, making it suitable for visiting year-round.
Spring (March to May): Mild weather with temperatures between 10°C to 18°C—ideal for city walks.
Summer (June to August): Warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C. Popular season for tourists.
Autumn (September to November): Cool and colorful with occasional rain.
Winter (December to February): Chilly with temperatures around 0°C to 5°C, but museums remain a cozy refuge.
As the museum is indoors, it’s perfect to explore during any season or even on rainy days.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing.
The museum is famous for its unparalleled collection of outsider art — works produced by individuals with no formal artistic training, many of whom created under extraordinary personal circumstances. Jean Dubuffet, who founded the collection in 1976, sought to challenge the elitism of mainstream art by highlighting the authentic, deeply personal nature of Art Brut. The museum houses over 70,000 pieces from over 400 artists, making it one of the most significant collections of its kind globally. Its originality, emotional intensity, and defiance of artistic norms continue to captivate critics and casual visitors alike.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: CHF 10
- Students, seniors, and groups: CHF 5
- Children under 16: Free
- Free admission on the first Saturday of each month.
Guided Tours: Available on request for groups. Audio guides and printed materials in multiple languages are also available.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers amenities for visitors with mobility challenges.
Photography: Permitted for personal use without flash. Commercial use requires prior authorization.
The museum is housed in the Château de Beaulieu, a historic 18th-century manor. Jean Dubuffet donated his extensive collection of outsider art to the city of Lausanne in 1971, and the museum officially opened in 1976. The Château, with its classical architecture, provides a striking contrast to the unconventional and provocative works displayed within. Over the decades, the museum has expanded its exhibitions, incorporating new discoveries and showcasing thematic collections that rotate regularly. The juxtaposition of a stately historic building with raw, unrefined art adds a powerful layer of experience for visitors.
- Explore permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing the raw expressions of self-taught artists.
- View fascinating works made from unconventional materials like recycled objects, textiles, and found items.
- Attend special events, conferences, and workshops held throughout the year.
- Purchase unique souvenirs and art books from the museum shop.
- Reflect in the peaceful garden and appreciate the serene setting of the Château de Beaulieu.
- Learn more about the life stories of the artists, many of whom led extraordinary and isolated lives.
- The museum holds one of the most important Art Brut collections in the world.
- Many works were created by people in psychiatric institutions, prisons, or those living in seclusion.
- Jean Dubuffet believed these works were more honest and powerful than mainstream art.
- Most exhibits are permanent, but temporary thematic exhibitions offer fresh perspectives every few months.
- Audio guides and leaflets are available in English, French, and German.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Palais de Rumine or the Lausanne Historical Museum.
- Visit early in the day or midweek to avoid crowds and take your time with each exhibition.
- It’s a great choice for art enthusiasts seeking something unique and thought-provoking.
- The museum shop features a thoughtful selection of items related to outsider art, including rare publications.
