The Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique) opened in 1993 on the Lake Geneva shore in Lausanne's Ouchy district, the 'Olympic Capital' and home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Spread over three floors overlooking the lake, it is the world's largest archive of Olympic memorabilia, tracing the story from the ancient Games to the modern revival through torches, medals, ceremonies and athletes' actual equipment. In 2026 the museum marks the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a special 'Via Azzurra' trail woven through the permanent galleries, showcasing the 2026 torch, mascot and medals. It makes an easy half-day for sports fans, families with children, and anyone pairing the visit with a lakeside stroll.
The gallery of Olympic torches - nearly every edition since 1896 displayed side by side, a signature stop of the visit
Olympic medals since 1896 alongside real competition equipment and athletes' kit - the highlight near the end of the route
Immersive films of opening and closing ceremonies with ceremony costumes and archives, capturing the 'Olympic spirit'
The 2026 'Via Azzurra' trail - the Milano Cortina 2026 torch, mascot and medals shown in the museum's Art Lounge
The Olympic Park outside - sculptures, a 100m running track and gardens with sweeping views over Lake Geneva
Good to know
RulesClosed on Mondays (with occasional exceptions on public holidays). Last admission is one hour before closing, so a late-afternoon arrival leaves little time. Confirm the day and opening hours on the official site before you go.
CautionBuy tickets from the official site (olympics.com/museum) or the on-site desk. Avoid marked-up resale tickets and unofficial booking pages, and always re-check the current fare (roughly CHF 20 adult, about CHF 14 reduced, free for children up to 15).
SeasonThe Ouchy lakefront is breezy even in summer and genuinely cold in winter - bring a windproof or warm layer. Expect crowds during the Milano Cortina 2026 winter season and in summer peak, so booking online ahead is wise.
SafetySwitzerland is generally safe, but pickpockets operate around Lausanne station, the M2 metro and busy tourist spots. Keep passport, wallet and phone in a front-facing bag, and watch children near the lakeside railings and water.
MannersDo not touch exhibits outside the designated interactive zones. Flash and tripod photography may be restricted, and quiet indoor behaviour is expected.
RulesCheck before your visit whether your Swiss Travel Pass includes free admission. Overnight guests in Lausanne receive a Lausanne Transport Card giving free use of the M2 and other city transit.
Practical info
Take metro line M2 to Ouchy-Olympique and walk a short distance to the lakefront; it is only a few stops down from Lausanne's main station (buses 2, 8, 24, 25 also serve the area, and CGN lake boats dock nearby at Ouchy). The museum is typically open Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00, closed Mondays, with last admission at 17:00 and closures on 24/25/31 December and 1 January. Confirm hours, fares and special-exhibition dates on the official website before visiting.
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