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Switzerland Lausanne Canton of Vaud Museum

Espace Arlaud

About

Espace Arlaud is one of Lausanne’s oldest cultural venues, a neoclassical landmark built in 1840 as the city’s first dedicated art museum. Its elegant façade and symmetrical halls were designed to showcase the canton’s growing artistic ambition, making it a cornerstone of Vaud’s cultural identity. Today, it serves as a dynamic exhibition space hosting rotating shows rather than a permanent collection, which gives each visit a fresh character. Inside, the building’s historic architecture is part of the experience: high ceilings, stone staircases, and naturally lit galleries create a refined backdrop for contemporary art, photography, and thematic cultural exhibitions. Espace Arlaud is known for presenting regional artists, offering insight into Vaud’s creative scene, but it also welcomes international projects that explore design, social issues, or experimental media. One of the most interesting facts is its role in Lausanne’s museum history. Before larger institutions emerged, Espace Arlaud housed the city’s fine arts, archaeology, and natural history collections under one roof. Walking through it today, you sense that layered past even as the space embraces modern curatorial styles.

Lausanne Switzerland
Espace Arlaud
Location

Espace Arlaud is located at Place de la Riponne 2bis, 1005 Lausanne, in the city centre, close to the busy Riponne area. Housed in a handsome 19th-century neoclassical building, it is the oldest museum in Lausanne and now hosts temporary and multidisciplinary exhibitions. Nearby, visitors can easily explore Place de la Riponne, one of Lausanne’s main squares, and then walk toward the old town for a more historic atmosphere. The Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts, the Palais de Rumine, and the Cathedral district are also within a convenient sightseeing area, making this part of the city rich in culture. It is a practical stop for travelers who want to combine art, history, and city walking in one visit. Espace Arlaud is a good choice for visitors who enjoy exhibitions in a central location. Its position near major squares and cultural landmarks makes it easy to include in a wider Lausanne itinerary.

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