main attractions, is based here as
well. Plan to spend time exploring
this wonderful, interactive museum,
which tells the Olympic Story over
time, from antiquity to to the
present day, while paying tribute to
the men and women who celebrate
and epitomize the Olympic ideal. One
floor is devoted to the origins of the
ancient Olympic Games, their revival
by Pierre de Coubertin and their
spread throughout the world. Other
galleries focus on the Games and
delve into the greatest feats and
stories of the athletes who
participated in the competitions.
Additionally, there are displays that
explore the daily lives of athletes
before, during and after the Games.
Outside the museum, overlooking
scenic Lake Geneva, is the Olympic
Park, which features works of
contemporary artists and sports
activity areas.
Art aficionados will rejoice in the city’s
offerings, especially the Hermitage
52
Foundation, a gem of a museum housed
in a preserved 19th century villa that
holds exhibitions of paintings and
sculptures created from 1850 to 1920,
with a special focus on Impressionism
and French art. Another unique,
must-see cultural attraction in
Lausanne is the Collection de l’Art
Brut. The impetus for this museum
stemmed from a donation of works by
French artist Jean Dubuffet, who began
collecting creations outside the
mainstream in hopes of shedding light
on art that was free from cultural and
social conditioning. Works on display
are by untrained artists, many who
lived difficult lives. Some resided in
mental institutions or were
incarcerated in prison; others were
social outcasts, loners or just
eccentrics who turned to painting,
sculpture and other artistic media as a
means to express themselves. Though
the pieces can be disturbing at times,
they are truly fascinating, as is the
accompanying biographical information
about each of the contributors.