PALAIS DE RUMINE

Palais de Rumine, built in 1906, is an impressive structure located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was funded by Gabriel de Rumine, an aristocrat of Russian origin. Designed by Gaspard André, the palace is a fine example of Florentine Renaissance architecture, with monumental columns, loggias, and bell towers. The building's grand design includes a central atrium, a staircase that presents an optical illusion, and intricately connected galleries and ramps.

Today, Palais de Rumine houses multiple museums, including those focused on fine arts, archaeology, zoology, and geology. It also serves as a cultural hub, with a library and spaces for academic activities and public events. Visitors can explore its rich historical collections, marvel at its architectural beauty, and attend rotating exhibitions and cultural programs as well. The combination of historical, artistic, and scientific collections it houses, makes it one of Lausanne’s most important cultural landmarks.

Highlights

• Marvel at the stunning Florentine Renaissance-style architecture of this grand palace, which adds an elegant touch to Lausanne’s cityscape.
• Discover a collection of museums at Palais de Rumine, including fine arts, archaeology, zoology, and more, all under one roof.
• Learn about the Treaty of Lausanne that was signed here, leading to the end of Ottoman rule in the region.
• Delve into fascinating exhibits on wildlife and natural history, featuring animal species from across the globe at the Zoological Museum.
• Attend various temporary exhibitions and cultural events hosted throughout the year, making every visit unique and exciting.

How To Reach

• By Car: The palace is located at a distance of 2 km from the city centre. You can easily reach there by car in 8 minutes via Route 9 and Route 1. 
• By Bus: Take bus no. 2 to the Riponne-M. Béjart stop which is located at a distance of 170 metres from the attraction. You can easily reach the palace from there by taking a short 2-minute walk.
• By Metro: Board the m2 metro line to the Riponne-M. Béjart which is situated 170 metres away from the palace. You can reach there by taking a short 2-minute walk.
• By Foot: The attraction is situated at a distance of 650 metres from the city centre via a walking route. One can easily reach the attraction by taking a short 9-minute walk.

Best Time To Visit

The Palais De Rumine remains open on all days except Mondays and welcomes visitors throughout the year. It is recommended to visit the palace on the weekdays from Tuesday to Thursday as the weekends mostly remain crowded.

Other Essential Information

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking through large galleries and multiple museum sections.
• Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the rich history and architecture of Palais de Rumine.
• Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience inside the museum.
• Don’t miss the optical illusion staircase- it’s one of the building’s most unique architectural features.
• Bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture, but check the photography policy for exhibits.
• Enjoy a break in the nearby park or at the museum café for a relaxing pause during your visit.
• Explore the temporary exhibitions for new and exciting pieces, as they rotate regularly throughout the year.