Index Cities
Switzerland Lausanne Canton of Vaud Museum

Lausanne History Museum

About

Lausanne History Museum (MHL) offers a compact yet surprisingly rich journey through the city’s past, blending archaeology, urban memory, and everyday life. Housed in the former Maison du Conseiller, a 17th‑century residence overlooking the old town, the museum itself is part of the story: its creaking floors and preserved beams echo Lausanne’s evolution from medieval hillside settlement to modern lakeside metropolis. Inside, the highlight is the archaeological collection, where Roman-era artefacts—coins, ceramics, and fragments from the ancient vicus of Lousonna—reveal the city’s origins as a lakeshore trading post. The urban development gallery traces how Lausanne climbed upward over centuries, illustrated through detailed scale models showing vanished bridges, early rail tunnels, and the dramatic reshaping of the Flon valley. One of the most engaging sections is the daily life exhibit, presenting objects that Lausanne residents used across generations: guild tools, domestic utensils, early photography, and quirky curiosities like 19th‑century fire‑fighting gear. Temporary exhibitions often spotlight lesser-known chapters of local history, from industrial innovation to Alpine migration routes.

Lausanne Switzerland
Lausanne History Museum
Location

The Lausanne History Museum is one of the best places to discover the story of the city. It is located in the heart of Lausanne’s old town, at Place de la Cathédrale 4, just a few steps from Lausanne Cathedral. The museum occupies a historic building in the Cité district, giving visitors both cultural interest and a strong sense of the city’s past. Its location makes it easy to combine with other attractions nearby. Lausanne Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the area and offers excellent views over the city. Close by, visitors can also explore the picturesque old streets of the Cité, the Escaliers du Marché, and the Place de la Palud with its lively atmosphere and historic buildings. The Palais de Rumine is another important cultural stop within walking distance, making this part of Lausanne ideal for a half-day sightseeing route. The museum is especially appealing for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and walking through old quarters with a strong local character. It is a convenient and rewarding stop for anyone exploring Lausanne’s heritage.

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 Musée de l'Elysée Musée de l'Elysée 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 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