Citius, Altius, Fortius, Sculpture in Lausanne, Switzerland

Citius, Altius, Fortius is a large kinetic sculpture in Lausanne, Switzerland, depicting a muscular human torso made of six vertical sections. The pale cream-white figure rests on a rust-brown plinth with a small dark plaque, and a low metal railing runs in front of it, set among grass, trees, and a paved path.

Created by Spanish sculptor Miguel Berrocal Ortiz in 1991 and 1992, the work was first shown at the Seville Universal Exposition in 1992. It was then installed at the Olympic Museum for its opening in 1993.

The title refers to the Olympic motto, and the moving torso is meant to capture an athlete's effort and focus. Visitors often stop to watch the sections slowly open and close, a motion that reveals abstract curves inside the figure.

The sculpture stands outdoors on the esplanade in front of the Olympic Museum, so you can walk around it at any time. Approach from the lake side for a clear view, and watch your step near the railing and the paved path.

This was the first artwork made using kevlar, a synthetic fibre normally used in aviation and aerospace. The material keeps the piece light enough for its hidden mechanism to move the heavy-looking torso.