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The Musée de l’Élysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the most renowned museums in the world dedicated exclusively to photography. Nestled in a beautiful mansion near the shores of Lake Geneva, this museum has built a strong reputation for its unique collections, exhibitions, and commitment to preserving the art of photography. From historical daguerreotypes to cutting-edge contemporary photo installations, the museum presents a fascinating journey through the evolution of photography. In 2022, the museum moved to the new arts district called Plateforme 10, where it continues to flourish as a cultural highlight in Lausanne.
By Train: Lausanne’s main train station (Gare CFF) is just a 5–10-minute walk from the Plateforme 10 arts district where the museum is located.
By Metro: Take the Lausanne Metro M2 line and get off at the Lausanne-Gare stop. From there, it’s a short walk.
By Bus: Buses 1, 3, and 21 all stop near the station and within walking distance of the museum.
By Car: Paid parking is available at Parking Montbenon or Parking Lausanne Gare, both within a few minutes' walk.
Lausanne experiences a temperate climate. Being an indoor venue, the museum is ideal to visit year-round.
Spring (Mar–May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C to 18°C.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and sunny, around 20°C to 28°C. Great for combining a museum visit with outdoor walks.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cooler temperatures between 10°C and 16°C, beautiful fall colors in the surrounding areas.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and crisp, ranging from -1°C to 5°C. Museum provides a cozy indoor cultural experience.
Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: Extended hours until 8:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Note: Always check the official website before visiting, especially on Swiss public holidays.
The Musée de l’Élysée is globally acclaimed for being one of the few museums entirely devoted to photography. It showcases the medium's artistic, documentary, and technical aspects across eras. The museum is especially known for its collections of prominent photographers such as Charlie Chaplin, Nicolas Bouvier, and René Burri. The rotating temporary exhibitions attract thousands of photography lovers each year. The move to the Plateforme 10 cultural hub has only expanded its influence by linking it with the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA) and the Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts (mudac).
Entry Fee:
- Adults: CHF 15
- Students/Seniors: CHF 10
- Children under 16: Free
- Free entry on the first Saturday of each month
Guided Tours: Available upon request, often included with temporary exhibition launches.
Facilities: Wheelchair accessible, coatroom, bookshop, café at Plateforme 10.
Photography Policy: Personal photography allowed unless otherwise noted.
The museum was originally established in 1985 in a neoclassical mansion overlooking Lake Geneva. It served as a unique and intimate venue dedicated to photography. However, with increasing popularity and growing collections, the museum relocated in 2022 to Plateforme 10, a modern arts district designed to house Lausanne’s major museums. The new building blends contemporary architectural elegance with practicality, offering expansive galleries, multimedia rooms, and collaborative spaces. This transition marks a new era in the museum’s mission to make photography accessible, interactive, and inspiring.
- Explore rotating exhibitions featuring classic and contemporary photography.
- Attend special events, artist talks, and film screenings.
- Participate in photography workshops and educational programs.
- Visit the bookstore to find rare photography publications and souvenirs.
- Relax in the onsite café with views of the surrounding cultural district.
- Visit neighboring museums within Plateforme 10 for a full cultural day.
- Use the museum’s app or digital guides for an interactive visit.
- The museum’s collection contains over 1 million photographs, negatives, and prints.
- It is a leading institution for photographic conservation and research.
- Offers family-friendly programs including scavenger hunts for kids.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises.
- Best time to visit is late morning on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Combine your visit with MCBA or mudac, all accessible on the same site.
- The museum is eco-friendly, using sustainable practices in exhibits and operations.
- Visit the museum during temporary exhibitions for rare international collections.
- Excellent for students, art lovers, and anyone with a passion for visual storytelling.
