Cantonal museum of Zoology, Lausanne

The Cantonal Museum of Zoology sits within Palais de Rumine in central Lausanne and displays collections of vertebrates, invertebrates, and comparative anatomy. The exhibition presents thousands of animal specimens and skeletons organized according to scientific principles.

The museum was founded in 1818 and grew from natural history objects gathered by Daniel-Alexandre Chavannes starting in 1779 at the Academy of Lausanne. This collection became the foundation for one of Switzerland's leading zoological institutions.

The museum displays animals from different regions and shows how living creatures relate to one another. Visitors observe how scientists study and organize the natural world.

The museum sits in central Lausanne and is easily reached on foot from the main train station. Visitors should note that some areas have stairs and the collections are presented in subdued lighting.

The collection holds one of the world's most important ant collections gathered by myrmecologist Auguste Forel, who documented over 5000 different species. This assembly makes the museum a key reference point for insect researchers worldwide.

Location: Lausanne

Location: Lausanne District

Inception: 1818

Official opening: 1818

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: list of cultural properties in Lausanne

Address: Place de la Riponne 6

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:00-18:00; Friday-Sunday 11:00-17:00; Holidays 11:00-17:00

Phone: +41(0)213163460

Website: http://zoologie.vd.ch

GPS coordinates: 46.52375,6.63395

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27