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Olympic Museum, Lausanne - Things to Do at Olympic Museum

Things to Do at Olympic Museum

Complete Guide to Olympic Museum in Lausanne

About Olympic Museum

Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne's Ouchy district, the Olympic Museum houses the world's largest collection of Olympic memorabilia across three floors dedicated to ancient games, modern Olympic history, and interactive sports experiences. Adult admission costs CHF 18 ($19.80 USD) with audio guides included in multiple languages, while family tickets (2 adults + children) cost CHF 44 and provide access to all exhibitions plus the outdoor Olympic Park where original torch relays and medal ceremonies are recreated with authentic equipment and costumes. The museum's highlight includes the Olympic flame collection featuring every torch design since 1936, while the sports simulator allows visitors to experience bobsledding, ski jumping, and rowing through virtual reality technology that provides heart-pounding perspectives from actual Olympic venues. Plan 3-4 hours for a complete visit and take advantage of the museum café's terrace overlooking Lake Geneva where you can enjoy Swiss coffee for CHF 4.50 while watching sailing boats glide across water that reflects the distant Alpine peaks, though reserve tickets online during peak summer months when tour groups can create lengthy queues.

What to See & Do

Olympic Flame Collection

An impressive display of actual Olympic torches from different Games, including the stories behind their designs and the memorable moments from torch relays

Interactive Sports Simulators

Try your hand at Olympic sports through high-tech simulators - bobsledding and ski jumping are particularly thrilling, though you might find yourself queuing with excited kids

Medal and Trophy Gallery

The museum's collection of Olympic medals, trophies, and memorabilia from legendary athletes, with some genuinely moving personal stories

Olympic Park and Sculpture Garden

The outdoor grounds feature sculptures and installations celebrating Olympic values, plus those Instagram-worthy views of Lake Geneva and the mountains

Temporary Exhibitions

Rotating exhibits that dive deep into specific themes, athletes, or Games - these tend to be surprisingly well-curated and often focus on lesser-known Olympic stories

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-18:00 (until 20:00 May-October). Closed Mondays except during school holidays and some public holidays

Tickets & Pricing

Adults CHF 18, Students/Seniors CHF 12, Children 6-15 CHF 10, Under 6 free. Family tickets available. Online booking recommended, especially during peak season

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Spring and early fall offer the best weather for exploring the outdoor areas, though the lake views are striking year-round

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours minimum, though you could easily spend a full day here if you're genuinely interested in the exhibits and want to explore the park

Getting There

The museum is surprisingly easy to reach from Lausanne's city center. Take Metro Line M2 to Ouchy-Olympique station, then it's about a 10-minute walk uphill through the pleasant Ouchy district. If you're coming by train, Lausanne's main station connects to the metro system. The walk from the lake up to the museum is a bit steep but manageable, and there's actually a nice path that winds through the Olympic Park. Parking is available but limited, and honestly, the public transport option is more straightforward.

Things to Do Nearby

Ouchy Waterfront
A lovely lakeside promenade perfect for strolling, with cafes, the historic Château d'Ouchy, and regular boat departures to other Lake Geneva destinations
Lausanne Cathedral
One of Switzerland's most impressive Gothic cathedrals, perched in the old town with commanding views over the city and lake
Collection de l'Art Brut
A fascinating museum dedicated to outsider art - the kind of place that challenges your assumptions about what art can be
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
UNESCO World Heritage wine terraces just a short train ride away, offering hiking trails and wine tastings with spectacular lake views
Palais de Rumine
Houses several museums including natural history and fine arts, plus the university - worth a visit for the beautiful 19th-century architecture alone

Tips & Advice

Download the museum app before your visit - it actually adds useful context and interactive elements to many exhibits
The museum shop is genuinely good, with Olympic memorabilia and books you won't find elsewhere, though prices reflect the Swiss location
If you're visiting in summer, consider combining your trip with a lake cruise - the boats dock right in Ouchy
The outdoor sculptures and park areas are free to explore even without a museum ticket, which is worth knowing if you're on a tight budget

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