Casino de Montbenon

The Casino de Montbenon is rightly considered one of the most elegant architectural treasures that Lausanne is proud of. This magnificent Neoclassical building with elements of Florentine architecture was built in the early 20th century. Despite its intriguing name, it has never hosted gamblers; since its founding, it has been the heart of the social and cultural life so valued in Switzerland.

The building's silhouette is easily recognizable by its graceful rotunda and two symmetrical towers, reminiscent of the famous Trocadéro Palace in Paris. Wide staircases, huge windows, and a magnificent terrace create an atmosphere of solemnity. The highlight of this location is undoubtedly the panoramic view of the blue waters of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alpine peaks from the Montbenon Esplanade.

Today, modern life thrives inside this historical monument: it is home to the famous Swiss Film Archive (Cinémathèque Suisse), while its halls host international conferences and festivals. This venue perfectly blends historical spirit with the functionality of a modern cultural center, surrounded by manicured gardens with fountains and cozy walking paths.

To inquire about hosting events or booking rooms in this historic building, you can contact the official city services. If you plan to visit the restaurant inside, we recommend contacting the management in advance, especially for evening bookings. Below are the main contact details for communication and navigation.

A visit here offers guests a wealth of leisure options—from intellectual pursuits to gastronomic delights. Film buffs come for the Swiss Film Archive, where you can watch rare retrospectives and auteur cinema or participate in themed festivals. The building often serves as a venue for concerts and exhibitions that fill the historic halls with vibrant energy.

A particular highlight is spending time at the Brasserie de Montbenon, located in the rotunda. Here, you can order local dishes and enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the stunning landscape through panoramic windows. During the summer months, life spills out onto the spacious terrace, which is considered one of the best viewpoints in the city.

The esplanade surrounding the building is an oasis of tranquility. It is a lovely place to simply stroll along shaded paths, have a small picnic on the grass, or relax by the fountain while watching the steady pace of city life. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration capturing the play of light on the Neoclassical facades and the majestic Alps on the horizon.

This iconic building is located at All. Ernest-Ansermet 3, practically in the heart of the city. If you decide to walk from the central railway station, the journey will take about 15–20 minutes. The route goes southwest via Avenue de la Gare and Avenue de l'Université, after which you need to turn onto Allée Ernest-Ansermet.

For those who prefer public transport, bus and tram lines 1 and 2 are ideal. You should get off at the Montbenon stop, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the esplanade. You can also always use a local taxi; the ride from the station or the central Flon district will take no more than 5–10 minutes.

If you are using a navigator, use the coordinates 46.520376, 6.625025. Keep in mind that parking spaces in this area are limited, so experienced travelers recommend leaving your car in one of the city parking lots and reaching Montbenon Park by light metro or bicycle.

The history of this site dates back to the 12th century when the lands of the current esplanade belonged to Cistercian monks and were used as vineyards. It wasn't until the 18th century that the territory passed into the hands of Bernese patricians, who transformed it into a public promenade by planting shaded alleys. The city purchased the plot only in 1903, planning to create a monumental architectural ensemble.

The building itself was erected between 1906 and 1909. Notably, the Casino de Montbenon never lived up to its name in a gambling sense; from its opening, it served purely cultural purposes. In 1915, a significant historical event took place here: Baron Pierre de Coubertin established the first headquarters of the International Olympic Committee within these walls, where it remained until 1922.

In the middle of the last century, this Neoclassical masterpiece faced the threat of demolition, but thanks to public efforts, the building was saved. Since the 1980s, it has housed the Swiss Film Archive (Cinémathèque Suisse), turning the former "casino" into one of Europe's most important centers for cinematography. Following a major renovation in 2014, a popular restaurant opened in the rotunda, breathing new life into the historic interiors.

For a quick look at the architecture and a brief walk across the terrace for the panoramic views, about 1 hour is quite enough. This is sufficient time to take beautiful photos with Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background and to appreciate the grandeur of the facades.

If your plans include watching a film at the Swiss Film Archive or enjoying a leisurely lunch at the local brasserie, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours. The evening hours here are particularly charming when the lights come on and the atmosphere becomes truly festive.

Official services and administration located in the building follow a standard schedule. Visitors are welcome from Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and after a lunch break from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

It is important to remember that the restaurant and the film archive operate on their own schedules. Cinema screenings usually take place in the evening, and the brasserie is open late into the night even on weekends, so it is best to check the official websites of these specific establishments for current operating hours.

Thanks to the central location of the site, a walk in its surroundings can easily be combined with visits to other iconic city landmarks. The modern Flon district with its unique atmosphere is very close, and just further up the slope, the doors of old palaces and museums open.

Exploring the nearby attractions will allow you to better feel the contrast between historical heritage and the city's dynamic modern life. Below is a list of interesting places within walking distance: