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Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History

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Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History

Overview

The Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History documents the human and regional history of the Canton of Vaud from prehistory through the Middle Ages. Housed within the historic Palais de Rumine, the exhibition displays excavated artifacts such as pottery, tools, weapons, and coins that illustrate the progression of settlement and daily life around Lake Geneva.

Getting There

From Lausanne's city centre around Saint-François or the main railway station, the site is reachable in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Alternatively, taking the M2 metro line directly to the Riponne-Maurice Béjart station brings you out onto Place de la Riponne right outside the venue.

Recommended Duration

Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours to walk through the collection at a comfortable pace.

When to Visit

Crowds are generally light, making weekday mornings or early afternoons the best times for a quiet visit. The halls can see higher foot traffic on weekends and during bad weather, as several museums share the same complex.

Nearby Attractions

Since the museum shares the Palais de Rumine (0km) complex, it is straightforward to combine your visit with other sights in and around the square:

  • Palais de Rumine (0km)
  • Cantonal Museum of Geology in Lausanne (0km)
  • Cantonal museum of Zoology, Lausanne (0km)
  • Lausanne Cathedral (0.2km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Lausanne 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Lausanne grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Lausanne 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Lausanne grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Palais de Rumine

Castles & palaces

Palais de Rumine

A late 19th-century building in downtown Lausanne, striking for its grand Florentine Renaissance facade. It's well worth a look while strolling through the city center.

0.0 km away
Cantonal Museum of Geology in Lausanne

Museums & galleries

Cantonal Museum of Geology in Lausanne

One of Lausanne's natural history museums, formerly dedicated to geology exhibits. It has since merged with the zoology and botany museums to become part of today's Lausanne Museum of Natural History.

0.0 km away
Cantonal museum of Zoology, Lausanne

Museums & galleries

Cantonal museum of Zoology, Lausanne

A zoology exhibition space located inside the Palais de Rumine in Lausanne. It's a good stop for travelers interested in natural history.

0.0 km away
Lausanne Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Lausanne Cathedral

A Reformed cathedral in Lausanne, Switzerland, belonging to the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud. It stands as one of the city's defining landmarks, with historic architecture visitors can explore up close.

0.2 km away
Lausanne Museum of History

Museums & galleries

Lausanne Museum of History

A municipal museum introducing the history of Lausanne. Recognized as a heritage site of national significance, it's a good place to trace the city's past in detail.

0.2 km away
Château Saint-Maire

Castles & palaces

Château Saint-Maire

A castle in Lausanne that now serves as the seat of the Vaud cantonal government. It's recognized as a Swiss heritage site of national significance for its historical value.

0.2 km away