World
Lausanne: A City of Olympics and Culture
Explore the vibrant city of Lausanne, known for its rich history of hosting the Olympics and its thriving cultural scene. Discover the perfect blend of sports and arts in this picturesque Swiss city.
Every year is an Olympics year in Lausanne, Switzerland, a city of stone buildings, tile roofs, and historic church squares perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Geneva. Serving as the home to the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum, Lausanne is deeply involved in championing the Games year-round, extending beyond the official ceremonies. This year, the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, primarily held in and around Paris, will run from July 26 to Sept. 8.
However, Lausanne offers more than just its connection to the Olympics. For culture enthusiasts, the city center boasts a new arts district with avant-garde exhibition spaces, while the Hermitage Foundation museum commemorates its 40th anniversary. To add to the city’s charm, there are trendy new restaurants, delightful chocolate boutiques, and exquisite pastry shops, establishing Lausanne as a culinary hotspot.
Games: History and Traditions on Display
Long before contemporary gold medalists like Nadia Comaneci and Usain Bolt gained global fame, the ancient Greek runner Astylos of Croton secured his place as an Olympic celebrity by winning three consecutive editions of the Games from 488 to 480 B.C. Remarkably, he achieved these victories while running naked and barefoot, following the customs of that era.
The Olympic Museum in Lausanne (tickets priced at 20 Swiss francs, approximately $22) narrates these fascinating stories and more. From ancient vases to interactive touch screens, the exhibitions chronicle the history of the prestigious global sports competition, beginning with its Hellenic roots and culminating in this year’s Paris Games, featuring a special exhibition titled “Paris Olympique.”
Visitors can explore the finer aspects of stadium architecture, uniform trends, opening ceremony spectacles, anti-doping technologies, and even the culinary offerings at Olympic villages. The museum showcases equipment and attire worn by renowned Olympians, such as a handmade track shoe donned by American athlete Jesse Owens during the controversial 1936 Berlin Games held in Nazi Germany. Interestingly, this shoe was crafted by Adi Dassler, who later founded the iconic Adidas brand.