The Olympic Museum

Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, The Olympic Museum is the world's leading museum of the Olympic movement. It opened in 1993 on the initiative of IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and reopened in 2013 after a major renovation, with a permanent exhibition spread over three floors. The collection traces the history of the Olympics from ancient origins to the modern era, utilizing original artifacts, audiovisual shows, and interactive stations. A terraced Olympic Park with sculptures and a running track surrounds the building, offering a cultural backdrop to the athletic history inside. Rotating special exhibitions add further depth to the experience.

Exhibits include Olympic torches and medals, equipment and clothing worn by famous athletes, and displays on the Olympic ideal and the organisation of the Games, brought to life with films and interactive stations. Lausanne's link with the Olympics goes back to 1915, when Pierre de Coubertin moved the International Olympic Committee's headquarters here, and the city calls itself the Olympic Capital.

The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and the TOM Café on the top floor has a terrace looking out over Lake Geneva to the French Alps. In the low season it is usually closed on Mondays. This institution offers a detailed look at the spirit and history of international sport in a scenic lakeside setting.