Cantonal Museum of Geology

The Musée cantonal de géologie in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the geology department of the Naturéum, the cantonal museum of natural sciences. Founded in 1818, it preserves and studies over a million specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils, including mammoths, dinosaurs, meteorites and fluorescent minerals. Its permanent galleries are located on the 3rd level of the Palais de Rumine, alongside the zoology galleries. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The Naturéum offers many family activities, including workshops, guided tours and themed visits. There is a family trail, a family space at the botanical garden and birthday parties can be organized at the museum. Children's workshops are offered for various ages, including discovery workshops for children aged 3 to 5.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90 min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: Natural history
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Workshops, Tours and demonstrations, Interactive exhibits
    • Entrance fee: 8 CHF
    • Free entrance: Yes (partly)
    • Price range: $

Opening hours

Open Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed on Mondays.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00-17:00
Wednesday
10:00-17:00
Thursday
10:00-17:00
Friday
10:00-17:00
Saturday
10:00-17:00
Sunday
10:00-17:00

Admission fees

8 CHF
Adult admission
5 CHF
Reduced price for temporary exhibitions
0 CHF
Free for those under 26 and on the first Saturday of the month

Contact

Webpage
natureum.ch
Email
info.natureum@vd.ch
Address
Place de la Riponne 6, 1005 Lausanne

Access

Nearby stops

  • Lausanne, Tunnel250 meters walking distance
  • Lausanne-Flon650 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
12m
Genève
59m
Martigny
1h 4m
Sion
1h 19m
Bern
1h 21m

FAQ

  • Are the permanent geology exhibitions free to visit?
    Yes, the permanent exhibitions at the Palais de Rumine are free of charge. Only the temporary exhibitions require a paid ticket.
  • Is the museum accessible to people in wheelchairs?
    Yes, the museums at the Palais de Rumine are fully accessible to people in wheelchairs. Access is via the north pergola and a lift reserved for people with reduced mobility.
  • Where are the geology galleries located in the Palais de Rumine?
    The geology galleries are located on the 3rd level of the Palais de Rumine, while the zoology galleries are on the 5th level.
  • Are pets allowed in the museum?
    No, domestic animals are not admitted in the museum and exhibition spaces.
  • Can school groups visit the museum?
    Yes, the Naturéum is an ideal place for schoolchildren. All activities for school audiences, including guided tours and workshops, are free. Classes can also visit the exhibitions freely during opening hours.

Included in