Cantonal Museum of Zoology

The Musée cantonal de zoologie, part of the Naturéum (Muséum cantonal des sciences naturelles) in Lausanne, Switzerland, is located at the Palais de Rumine. Its permanent zoology galleries preserve a 19th-century museography with period display cases, including a comparative anatomy room with jars, skeletons and two-headed specimens. The collection holds around 4 million invertebrates and 46,700 vertebrates, with highlights such as the great white shark, one of the largest taxidermied specimens in the world, as well as a Siberian tiger, moose and polar bear. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The Naturéum offers family activities such as workshops, guided tours and themed visits at the Palais de Rumine and the botanical garden. Children's workshops like 'Petits Pas au Naturéum' are designed for ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult, while other activities are suitable for older children. A family trail and a family space at the botanical garden are also available.

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, Tunnel350 meters walking distance
  • Lausanne-Flon600 meters walking distance
  • Lausanne, Délices1600 meters walking distance
  • Lausanne, jardin botanique1800 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
7m
Genève
56m
Martigny
1h 0m
Sion
1h 15m
Neuchâtel
1h 15m

FAQ

  • Are the zoology galleries currently open to the public?
    Due to recent heatwaves, the zoology galleries (5th floor of the Palais de Rumine) are exceptionally closed until further notice. The other museum spaces remain open.
  • Is the museum accessible to wheelchair users?
    Yes, the museums at the Palais de Rumine are fully accessible to people in wheelchairs. Access is via the north pergola, taking the lift reserved for people with reduced mobility which leads to the central lifts of the Palais.
  • Are domestic animals allowed in the museum?
    No, domestic animals are not admitted in the gardens and exhibition spaces of the Naturéum.
  • Are the permanent exhibitions free to visit?
    Yes, the permanent exhibitions at the Palais de Rumine have free admission. Only the temporary exhibitions are paid, with a reduced price available and free entry for those under 26 and on the first Saturday of the month.
  • What are the highlights of the zoology collection?
    The zoology department holds about 4 million invertebrates and 46,700 vertebrates. Notable pieces include the great white shark, one of the largest taxidermied specimens in the world at 5.83 m, as well as a Siberian tiger, moose and polar bear. The permanent galleries preserve a 19th-century museography with a comparative anatomy room.

Included in