Collection de l'Art Brut

About the museum

In 1945, the French painter Jean Dubuffet coined the term “Art Brut” for art created without academic training and outside the art establishment. That same year, on a trip through Switzerland, he met doctors who were interested in the drawings and paintings of their patients. This led him to artists such as Aloïse Corbaz, Adolf Wölfli and Heinrich Anton Müller, whose works formed the core of his collection.

Dubuffet first built up the collection in Paris, and it was later housed temporarily in the USA. In 1971 he donated it to the City of Lausanne: around 5,000 works by 133 creators. Of several candidates, the Château de Beaulieu was chosen as the site, an 18th-century manor house built between 1764 and 1776.

The Collection de l’Art Brut opened its doors there in 1976. The building was extended several times: in 1983 with a new wing, in 1985 with white exhibition halls on the south side, in 2002 with a hall under the roof, and in 2005 with an entrance annex. Today the collection continues to grow and comprises far more works than at the time of the donation. Part of it is on view in the permanent exhibition, complemented by temporary exhibitions and a documentation centre for researchers.

Highlights

• The world’s first and oldest collection of Art Brut, founded by Jean Dubuffet
• Works by Aloïse Corbaz, Augustin Lesage, Marguerite Sirvins and Auguste Walla
• Housed in the 18th-century Château de Beaulieu
• “La cabane” children’s area for ages 0 to 6 in the middle of the museum
• Audio descriptions and offerings for blind and visually impaired visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente – A changing selection from the collection featuring works by self-taught artists, loners and psychiatric patients, including Aloïse Corbaz, Augustin Lesage, Marguerite Sirvins and Auguste Walla.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Stadt Lausanne (Ville de Lausanne)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Saturday of the month, as well as on International Museum Day and European Heritage Days.

The ticket is valid for three days in the three municipal museums (Musée historique, Musée romain, Collection de l’Art Brut). Free admission also applies to, among others, unemployed people, social assistance recipients, holders of the Cultissime card and of the Swiss Museum Pass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Tactile guidance paths lead from the Jomini bus stop to the museum. Folding stools; wheelchair and pushchair available on request. Audio descriptions via QR code (bringing your own headphones is recommended), Braille materials to borrow, and on request tactile cases, descriptive tours and visits for people with Alzheimer’s.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Children’s area “La cabane” (ages 0–6) with puzzles and games, activity booklet for ages 6 to 12, music tour for babies aged 3 to 18 months (registration, fee required). Changing table with nappies, baby sling loan, pushchair loan and bottle warmer at the reception; playground in the park of the Château de Beaulieu.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The Auberge de Beaulieu next to the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am (with a terrace in summer). Museum bookshop with online shop. Bags are not allowed in the exhibition rooms and are stored in lockable lockers.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit