Lakeside Gardens

Overview

Nestled gracefully on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Lakeside Gardens, more formally known as the Olympic Park, offer an expansive and verdant extension to the captivating journey within the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. Spanning over 8,000 square meters, these meticulously curated grounds present a unique fusion of nature, art, and the enduring spirit of sport. Unlike a conventional garden, this outdoor sanctuary serves as a living gallery, dotted with a remarkable collection of sculptures that pay homage to the Olympic ideal and its rich history. With its inviting pathways and breathtaking vistas of the shimmering lake and the majestic Alps, the Olympic Park is freely accessible, providing a tranquil yet inspiring space for visitors of all ages to explore and reflect.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the Olympic Park is intimately woven with that of the Olympic Movement itself and Lausanne's esteemed position as the ‘Olympic Capital.’ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) established its headquarters in Lausanne in 1915, solidifying the city's connection to global sport. The Olympic Museum, a realization of Pierre de Coubertin's vision for a place celebrating the Olympic spirit, first opened its doors in 1993. The surrounding gardens were conceived as an integral part of this institution, designed to extend the museum experience outdoors. After a significant renovation of the entire museum complex between 2012 and 2013, the gardens were also revitalized, enhancing their role as a public space where art and Olympism harmoniously coexist. This open-air exhibition embodies the values of excellence, friendship, and respect, fundamental to the Olympic Games.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Lakeside Gardens apart is its dual identity as both a serene natural landscape and a dynamic open-air sculpture museum. The park showcases approximately 43 sculptures, each a narrative in bronze, stone, or steel, capturing the grace, power, and universal human struggle inherent in athletic endeavor. These artistic expressions are thoughtfully placed amidst lush greenery, creating a visually stimulating dialogue between art and environment. Beyond static displays, the gardens offer interactive elements that engage visitors directly. Imagine stepping onto a 100-meter track where light beams recreate the legendary speed of Usain Bolt, inviting you to challenge yourself and experience a flicker of Olympic prowess. Coupled with these engaging features are the unparalleled panoramic views; from various points within the park, one can gaze upon the expansive Lake Geneva and the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Alps, offering moments of profound beauty and contemplation.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Wandering through the Olympic Park reveals a treasure trove of stories and symbolic details. Many of the sculptures are more than mere artworks; they are gifts from various National Olympic Committees around the world, each carrying a piece of national pride and Olympic history. For instance, you might encounter Fernando Botero's 'Jeune Fille à la Balle' (Girl with a Ball), or Jean Tinguely's whimsical kinetic sculpture that playfully combines a hockey stick, a boar's head, and a motorbike wheel. A statue of the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, also greets visitors, and the Olympic flame, a powerful symbol of continuity and peace, burns in a cauldron inscribed with the timeless motto 'Citius, Altius, Fortius – Together' (Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together). Even the grand fountain at the entrance and the stairs leading up to the museum tell a story, with the dates of past Olympic Games and the names of those who lit the Olympic flame etched into their surfaces.

Visitor Perspective

For any traveler to Lausanne, the Lakeside Gardens offer a refreshing and inspiring experience, whether as a standalone visit or as a contemplative conclusion to time spent inside the Olympic Museum. The free admission to the park allows for spontaneous exploration, inviting leisurely strolls amidst art and nature. It's a space where children can playfully engage with interactive exhibits and adults can find quiet spots for reflection, all while absorbing the monumental history of the Olympic Games. The gardens are designed to be fully accessible, including for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy the pathways and admire the sculptures. After a wander, the TOM Café on the museum's top floor provides a perfect vantage point, offering gourmet delights alongside breathtaking views that encompass the entire Olympic Park, Lake Geneva, and the surrounding mountains.