OLYMPIC MUSEUM

There could be no finer tribute to sport. This museum is a hymn to the Olympic Games, a consecration for athletes from the four corners of the globe who, since the beginning of the last century, have crossed frontiers and aroused passions through this universal event. The setting is unique. The museum is worth a visit not only for its theme, but also for its layout - access is via successive terraces - opening onto a sublime panorama of the lake. As soon as you enter the park, where the lawn is mown as perfectly as any English green, the tone is set by an illustrious artist, Niki de Saint Phalle: as always, the bright colors contrast with the other statues, those of Pierre de Coubertin, famous athletes and the Olympic flame. Her work Les Footballeurs is a magnificent celebration of sport. You'd think they were alive, so faithfully is the movement of the tackle reproduced. The various levels showcase old and new Olympic disciplines, with superb photos of athletes in action. The idea behind the sculptures? To remind us that art has always been an ally of sport. The visit to the museum reflects these magnificent works. It's interactive, fun and highly educational. Other sculptures, such as those by Botero, Calder and Tàpies, also line the park. On the sports facilities, you can even try your hand at Usain Bolt's records. This magnificent tiered park is well designed to arouse interest, and is particularly welcoming. The Tom Café, on the upper floor, with its large windows and terrace still overlooking the sublime panorama offered by the lake, is the perfect way to round off your visit to the museum.

But a visit is also worthwhile for the way in which the curators have showcased athletes, past and present, and for the tribute to sport, creativity and pedagogy in the themes of the temporary exhibitions. We get under the skin of the athletes, discover the behind-the-scenes workings of the Olympic Games organizations, truly enter another universe, that of the games, the training of the athletes and their feelings, and learn a great deal about the evolution of the games throughout history. You can relive the finest moments of the Games. The temporary exhibitions are admirable in terms of pedagogy, such as the one that develops and presents the induction of new disciplines, such as 3 x 3 basketball, BMX free style, breaking, sport climbing (quite impressive when you observe the speed at which an athlete climbs), skateboarding and surfing. You'll feel as if you're right there with the athletes, reliving their finest exploits and victories immortalized in video. We marvel at the creative genius of each city hosting the Games. In this way, the history of each competition is retraced. The first level recounts the history of the Olympic Games, while Level 1 evokes the evolution of the competitions, which is clearly understood thanks to an audiovisual show and a description of the athletes' equipment. Finally, in the basement, we present the value system and message that the Olympic Games aim to embody. What an evolution since the first games in Athens in 1896, or the first winter games in Chamonix in 1924. Rio, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Los Angeles... and Paris in 2024. These games will be followed by Milano Cortica in winter 2026, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. This is a far cry from the first games organized by Pierre de Coubertin, who remained firmly opposed to women's participation until the end of his life. Paradoxically, Coubertin was a visionary: he wanted to make sport popular by putting it on an international scale and by reviving the famous Greek Olympic Games, which had been held every four years for twelve centuries since 776.

For each new edition of the Olympics, new exhibitions are dedicated to them. The museum is constantly renewing itself. In addition to its permanent exhibition, where you can discover the world of the Games: the Olympic world, the Olympic Games, the Olympic spirit and all the history and culture of the Olympic Games, this museum houses educational and cultural areas. Its museography is ultra-connected and highly entertaining for visitors. It's the place to be for sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. The discovery of the Olympic world and its derivatives is so exciting that you can find yourself wandering around the site, reliving a sporting event or a sumptuous opening ceremony of the Games, following in the footsteps of an illustrious athlete, learning the implications of a new discipline... You can spend quite some time here.

The museum is open to all, children and adults alike, with workshops, indoor activities and outdoor garden trails. We're almost in "the secret of the gods". After all, the Olympic Committee is based in Lausanne. A lively museum, ultra-dynamic in its presentation and programming of temporary exhibitions and must-see activities.

The museum in figures: 3,000^m2 dedicated to exhibitions, 1,500 objects, 150 screens.

The park: 43 sculptures dedicated to Olympic culture, including those by Niki de Saint Phalle, Botero, Tàpies and Calder. 100 m athletics track to measure up to Usain Bolt, mural by Antoni Tàpies.