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Museum · Lausanne, Vaud
Collection de l'Art Brut
Museum dedicated to art brut, made by self-taught creators outside the artistic circuit, based on the collection that the French painter Jean Dubuffet donated to the city of Lausanne.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Collection de l'Art Brut
The Collection de l'Art Brut opened in 1976. It was born from the donation made by the French painter Jean Dubuffet to the city of Lausanne. It was Dubuffet who coined the term art brut.
Art brut gathers works by self-taught creators, often people on the margins of society or patients in psychiatric hospitals. They produced outside traditions and artistic fashions, without concern for criticism or audience.
Part of the collection is on permanent display, with works by names such as Aloïse Corbaz, Augustin Lesage, Marguerite Sirvins and Auguste Walla: drawings, paintings, sculptures and objects made with simple materials.
The museum also preserves the Neuve Invention collection, of works that break less with artistic norms but still lie outside the traditional circuit, and it organizes temporary exhibitions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one hour to an hour and a half.
Best time
Any day is fine; the museum is closed on Mondays.
How to get there
It is on the avenue des Bergières, north of the centre. City buses stop at Beaulieu and Jomini, a few steps away; on foot it's about 20 minutes from the Palud.
Tip
Go unhurriedly and read the artists' biographies: they help to understand the works.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Collection de l'Art Brut
What is art brut?
It is art made by self-taught creators, outside artistic traditions and the art market; the term was coined by the painter Jean Dubuffet.
On which days is the museum open?
Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays.
Is it in central Lausanne?
It is a little north of the center, about a 20-minute walk from the Palud or a few minutes by bus.