Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915, and The Olympic Museum is its showcase. It stands on the lakeshore at Ouchy, surrounded by the Olympic Park, a terraced garden of sculptures, sports installations and views over Lake Geneva to the French Alps, where a running track lets you measure yourself against record-breaking speeds. Inside, around 3,000 square metres of exhibition space hold some 1,500 objects and about 150 screens. The permanent galleries tell the story of the Games from ancient Olympia to the present, through the Olympic torches of every edition, medals, posters, equipment and costumes worn by legendary athletes, and films of great sporting moments. Much of it is interactive, testing your balance, reactions and knowledge, which makes it a strong choice for families and anyone who loves sport. Temporary exhibitions add new angles; in 2026 the programme includes a hands-on space about getting active and an exhibition on the future of sport. On the top floor, the TOM Café serves food inspired by host cities, with a terrace looking across the lake. The museum is an easy and rewarding half-day from Geneva, and Lausanne’s old town and cathedral are a metro ride uphill.
Planning the visit: the museum opens from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 18:00, and is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays and special events. It closes on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January. Children up to 15 enter free, and there are reductions for students and seniors. The Tiqets entry ticket gives you a time-saving booking, and Tiqets also sells combinations with Chillon Castle or Chaplin’s World if you want to make a day of the Riviera.
Getting there from Geneva: fast trains reach Lausanne in about 40 minutes. From Lausanne station, take the M2 metro down the hill to Ouchy, then walk a few minutes east along the quay to the museum. In fine weather, the lakeside path from Ouchy is a pleasure.
Making the most of it: allow two to three hours. Start at the top with the history of the Games and work down to the interactive sections, then step outside to the Olympic Park for the sculptures and the views. Lunch at the TOM Café, which is popular at weekends. Afterwards, ride the M2 metro uphill to Lausanne’s old town and Gothic cathedral, or take a lake boat if the timetable suits.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to interactive galleries on Olympic history and sport, a sculpture park on the lakefront and a café with views.
Best time
A weekday morning outside school holidays, avoiding Mondays when it is closed.
How long
Two to three hours, plus about 40 minutes each way by train from Geneva.
Tips
Do not go on a Monday, take the M2 metro to Ouchy, start at the top floor, and book lunch at the TOM Café at weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sports fans and families looking for a hands-on museum on the lake.
- Families
- Under-15s go free, and the interactive challenges keep children busy for hours.
- Couples
- Combine the museum with a lakeside walk at Ouchy and dinner in Lausanne’s old town.
- Pair with
- Chillon Castle or Chaplin’s World further along the lake for a full Riviera day.
- Time needed
- Half a day from Geneva.
Good questions
Is the Olympic Museum open on Mondays?+
No, it is closed on Mondays except on public holidays and special events. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00.
How do you get to the Olympic Museum from Geneva?+
Take a train to Lausanne, about 40 minutes, then the M2 metro down to Ouchy. The museum is a short walk along the quay.
Do children pay at the Olympic Museum?+
Children up to 15 enter free. Students and seniors pay a reduced price.
How long should I spend at the Olympic Museum?+
Two to three hours covers the galleries and the park. Add lunch at the TOM Café for a relaxed half-day.
Can I combine the Olympic Museum with other sights?+
Yes, Tiqets sells combined tickets with Chillon Castle and Chaplin’s World. Both are further east along the lake.
