At a glance
Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.
Palais de Rumine
Gabriel de Rumine (1841–1871), a young man of Russian origin who died at 30, bequeathed 1,500,000 francs to the city for a building “of public utility”. The architecture competition of 1889 was won by Gaspard André, and the palace, in the style of the Florentine Renaissance, was inaugurated in 1906.
Today it houses the Naturéum (geology, zoology and botany), the cantonal museum of archaeology and history, other cantonal collections and the cantonal and university library (BCU). On 24 July 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in its Aula.
Key dates
- 1871
Gabriel de Rumine bequeaths 1,500,000 francs to the city.
- 1889
Gaspard André wins the architecture competition.
- 1906
Inauguration of the palace.
- 1923
Signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in the Aula.
Museums under one roof
The Naturéum presents the natural sciences — geology, zoology and botany — with collections that delight children. The cantonal museum of archaeology and history traces the past of the region from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
The palace also housed the University of Lausanne before it moved to the lakeshore campus; the library is still here.
Did you know?
Plan your visit
Getting there
- Metro m2, stop Riponne-M. Béjart (exit directly on the square).
- Many buses stop at the Riponne or at Bessières.
Our tips
- Entry to the permanent exhibitions is free.
- On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the market fills the Place de la Riponne.
- Continue up to the cathedral, 5 minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Palais de Rumine free?
Yes for the permanent exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions cost CHF 8 (CHF 5 reduced), free under 26 and on the first Saturday of the month.
When is it open?
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Which museums are inside?
The Naturéum, the cantonal museum of archaeology and history, other cantonal collections and the BCU library.
What happened here in 1923?
The Treaty of Lausanne was signed in the Aula on 24 July 1923.
How do I get there?
Metro m2 to Riponne-M. Béjart.
Official sources
VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.