Index Cities
Switzerland Lausanne Canton of Vaud Museum

Musée de l'Elysée

About

The Musée de l’Elysée is one of Europe’s leading photography museums, renowned for its ability to present the medium in all its emotional, historical and experimental depth. Founded in 1985 and now part of the Plateforme 10 arts district, it occupies a sleek contemporary building designed to give photographic works the same presence and dignity as painting or sculpture. Its mission is clear: to explore photography as an art form, a memory tool and a cultural witness. Inside, visitors encounter a rich mix of historic photography and cutting‑edge contemporary projects. The museum’s archives hold over one million images, including rare prints, contact sheets and personal albums from major photographers. Exhibitions often highlight photographic storytelling—from documentary journeys to intimate portraits that reveal the lives behind the lens. A standout feature is the museum’s commitment to experimental photography. Installations may include video, sound, or immersive environments that challenge traditional notions of the image. The building’s flexible galleries allow curators to reshape spaces dramatically, creating surprising transitions between themes.

Lausanne Switzerland
Musée de l'Elysée
Location

Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne is a major photography museum, now associated with the Plateforme 10 cultural district near the main railway station. It is a convenient stop for visitors because it sits in the city center and is easy to reach on foot from other major sights. Nearby, you can also visit the other museums at Plateforme 10, especially the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts and mudac, which make this area one of Lausanne’s most important cultural hubs. From there, it is a short trip to the old town, where the cathedral, historic streets, and viewpoints offer some of the best city views. If you want to continue sightseeing, the lakeside district of Ouchy is also within easy reach, with Lake Geneva, The Olympic Museum, and pleasant waterfront walks. This makes Musée de l’Elysée a strong choice for travelers who want art, photography, and easy access to Lausanne’s main attractions in one visit.

The Olympic Museum The Olympic Museum Museum Collection de l'Art Brut Collection de l'Art Brut Museum Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne Museum Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History Museum Naturéum - département de zoologie Naturéum - département de zoologie Museum Roman Museum Lausanne-Vidy Roman Museum Lausanne-Vidy Museum Lausanne History Museum Lausanne History Museum Museum Hand museum Hand museum Museum Espace Arlaud Espace Arlaud Museum Archizoom Archizoom Museum Musée Bolo Musée Bolo Museum Fondation de l'Hermitage Fondation de l'Hermitage Museum Cinémathèque suisse Cinémathèque suisse Museum Musée de la machine à écrire de Lausanne Musée de la machine à écrire de Lausanne Museum Lausanne Cathedral Lausanne Cathedral Cathedral Palais de Rumine Palais de Rumine Palace Château Saint-Maire Château Saint-Maire Castle Eglise Notre-Dame du Valentin Eglise Notre-Dame du Valentin Church Église Saint-François Église Saint-François Church Opéra de Lausanne Opéra de Lausanne Opera House Parc de Mon-Repos Parc de Mon-Repos Park Lausanne Botanical Garden Lausanne Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Sauvabelin Tower Sauvabelin Tower Observation deck