Have you ever wondered how it feels to be an Olympic champion? The rush of adrenalin? The intensity of crucial moments? Thanks to the latest computer technology and audiovisual media, it is now possible at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
The magnificent Museum has over 1500 exhibits, 150 screens, and ultimate experiences that will leave you with great stories to tell. Here you can discover the creativity of previous host cities and get an insight into the hard work of volunteers behind the scenes.
The journey at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne begins with discovering the newly updated Olympic Park adorned with impressive sculptures by contemporary artists and sports installations.
In front of The Museum, the iconic Olympic fire burns all year round, and Pierre de Coubertin’s statue greets the public while the fire burns eternally in its cauldron. Displayed is the motto (since 1894) ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius‘, which reminds us of the Games’ origins and history.
The Olympic World
The first theme presented in the exhibition is the ever-expanding phenomenon of the Olympic World. It explores the vision of its founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin and will teach you how rooted the Olympics has been in our history since 1894. On the same floor, you will discover the 50 torches that have transported the Olympic flame of all Games since 1936 and go on a journey of Olympic history with an interactive timeline.
Today there are 204 National Olympic Committees worldwide, and an incredible 4 billion people shared the passion for sport during the last Games as either participants or spectators.
The Olympic Games
The Museum’s second floor is entirely devoted to the Olympic Games, which shapes the heart of every visitor’s experience. Here, you will learn about the stories and careers of many Olympians and the evolution of the sporting disciplines you know and love today.
There is also the opportunity to view the Olympic program of the Summer and Winter Games and listen to an introduction to the birth of the Paralympics and the Youth Olympic Games.
The Olympic Spirit
How do you become an Olympic champion? What’s life like under competition conditions? How does it feel to win or to lose? On the third floor, the ‘Olympic Spirit’, all these questions are answered for you.
Through video, memorabilia, and interactive installations, you immerse yourself in all aspects of the Olympic experience, including the joy, drama and the Olympic village atmosphere where all nations meet.
Inspired by the daily life of champions, you can also try fun interactive exercises, which include balance and agility tests and challenging mind games.
End your Olympic experience with an incredible finale presenting the medals in a 180° audiovisual show.
Riding the Olympic Wave
Six new sports and disciplines were recently added to the programme of the Summer Games: 3×3 Basketball, BMX Freestyle, breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing. ‘Riding the Olympic Wave’ explores this evolution and presents these sports and disciplines with their social, cultural, and artistic contexts through art installations.
The program is supported by guided tours, cultural events, a digital exhibition, and more! Open until March 2023.
Find out more here: https://olympics.com/museum/explore/programming/riding-the-olympic-wave
TOM Café – A café with breathtaking views
Before leaving the museum, we recommend grabbing a refreshment at the TOM Café located on the top floor. This cafe boasts contemporary and sporty decor inspired by the Olympic theme, and has one of the most desirable terraces in Lausanne with spectacular views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.
TOM Café – The Olympic Museum Restaurant serving weekend brunch (olympics.com)
TOM Shop – Nothing usual here!
A great place to start – or end – the Olympic Museum experience is at the TOM shop. Offering an exclusive and unique range of quirky and original products, you can take a piece of the Olympic dream home.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Tuesday to Sunday: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays: closed. (except for bank holidays and special events).
Closed: 24, 25, 31 December, and 1 January.
The Olympic Museum
Quai d’Ouchy 1
1006 Lausanne, Switzerland
+41 (0)21 621 65 11
Olympic Museum tickets, admission prices and hours of operation (olympics.com)
