Fondation de l’Hermitage — Lausanne
Attraction 12 / 20 · Art foundation · 19th-century villa · Closed until autumn 2027

Fondation de l’Hermitage — an art villa above Lausanne

A 19th-century villa set in a landscaped park overlooking the city and the lake, known for its major temporary exhibitions — currently closed for renovation, with the park still open.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Good to know — The museum is closed for renovation from 10 November 2025 until autumn 2027. The park remains accessible.

Fondation de l’Hermitage

At a glance

Where
Route du Signal 2, 1018 Lausanne
On the hill of Le Signal
Status
Closed for renovation until autumn 2027
Since 10 November 2025
Park
Open access
Viewpoint over the lake
Time to plan
30 minutes in the park
About 2 hours for an exhibition after reopening
Nearby
Sauvabelin forest and tower
Best for
Art lovers · Views · Gardens

Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.

Why go

Fondation de l’Hermitage

The Hermitage is a 19th-century villa built for the Bugnion family, a banking family of Lausanne, in a park designed as a landscaped garden with trees, lawns and a sweeping view of the cathedral, the lake and the Alps.

The family gave the property to the City of Lausanne, and the foundation has organised art exhibitions in the villa since 1984 — from Impressionism and the Nabis to modern and Swiss art — making it one of the best-loved art venues in French-speaking Switzerland.

History

Key dates

  1. 19th c.

    The villa is built for the Bugnion banking family.

  2. 1976

    The family gives the property to the City of Lausanne.

  3. 1984

    First exhibitions of the Fondation de l’Hermitage.

  4. Nov. 2025

    Closure for a major renovation.

  5. Autumn 2027

    Planned reopening.

While the museum is closed

The park of the Hermitage remains open: come for the view of the cathedral and the lake, then continue on foot to the Sauvabelin lake and tower, about 15 minutes away.

Check the foundation’s website for news on the reopening programme in autumn 2027.

Did you know?

1984first exhibitions in the villa
2027planned reopening, in autumn
Bugnionthe banking family who built the villa
360°views from the park over city, lake and Alps
Fondation de l’Hermitage

Plan your visit

Getting there

  • Bus 16, stop Hermitage.
  • About 15 minutes on foot from the cathedral (uphill).

Our tips

  • The museum is closed until autumn 2027 — the park can still be visited.
  • Combine with Sauvabelin for a half-day outing.
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Nearby attractions

Château Saint-Maire07Château Saint-Maire8 min on foot Sauvabelin Tower11Sauvabelin Tower9 min on foot Lausanne Cathedral01Lausanne Cathedral11 min on foot Palais de Rumine15Palais de Rumine11 min on foot

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hermitage open?

The museum is closed for renovation from 10 November 2025 until autumn 2027; the park remains open.

What kind of exhibitions are held there?

Temporary exhibitions of painting and art, from the 19th century to modern art.

Can I visit the park?

Yes, the park is freely accessible and offers a fine view of the city and the lake.

How do I get there?

Bus 16 to Hermitage, or a 15-minute walk uphill from the cathedral.

What is nearby?

The Sauvabelin forest, its lake and its wooden tower.

Official sources

VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.