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Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

An unmissable visit to discover 15,000 years of history of the canton of Vaud. The MCAH has been located in the Palais de Rumine, at the heart of Lausanne, since 1908. Free admission

The museum bears witness to the intense activity of archaeologists since the 19th century. The large number of digs since the early 1970s continually enriches the Museum’s collections, which are overflowing with artefacts from every period from prehistory to modern times, discovered underground or in monuments of the canton of Vaud.

Often recognised solely for its public activities, the MCAH prioritises the long-term conservation, restoration, inventory and study of the findings from archaeological digs in the canton of Vaud before its own development. 

The historic collections are made up of pieces acquired through donations, bequests and purchases. They include a wide range of high-quality artistic objects.

The ethnographic, Egyptian and Greco-Roman collections at the MCAH were mostly assembled in the 19th century. For the moment, they are not presented in the museum’s permanent exhibition.

In 2019, the coins and medals collections of the State of Vaud were integrated into the MCAH, after having been managed by the Cabinet des Médailles, and then the Musée monétaire cantonal.

Actuellement

From glacial retreat to the present
Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

Permanent exhibitions

Exhibitions

From glacial retreat to the present

Lay your money down!
Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

Permanent exhibitions

Exhibitions

Lay your money down!

Collections Printemps 2025
Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

02/05/2025 - 29/03/2026

Exhibitions

Collections Printemps 2025

Events

Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

03/06/2025

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17:00

Conférence

Conférence - Le complexe militaire romain du Clos de la Visitation à Lyon

Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

05/06/2025

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16:30

Conférence

Table ronde - Mémoire et écriture : de la plume au clavier

Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire

10/06/2025

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16:00

Conférence

Atelier - Une centrale nucléaire à Lucens : récits et témoignages

Naturéum - Palais de Rumine

13/06/2025

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10:15

Guided tour

Visite-lunch de Spécimens 24

Naturéum - Palais de Rumine

15/06/2025

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12:00

Walk

Du Palais au Jardin, balade en quête de nature