mudac in Lausanne: design that speaks to families

Why We Love This Idea

The mudac – Cantonal Museum of Design & Contemporary Applied Arts – is located in the heart of PLATEFORME 10, the arts district right next to the Lausanne train station. The atmosphere is bright, modern, and welcoming. Here, you can discover how design influences our gestures, our objects, and our cities. For families, it’s a simple and inspiring gateway to creativity.

What Your Children Will Discover

Here, we observe shapes, materials, and ingenious solutions. Children love to recognize everyday objects transformed by the designers' perspective. They test, compare, and question: why does this chair stand so well? What is the purpose of this little detail? The exhibitions change regularly, with scenographies that engage sight, sometimes touch (when permitted), and especially the imagination.

In terms of learning, we touch on curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The younger ones develop their vocabulary and observation skills. The older ones are introduced to "design thinking": understanding a need, imagining ideas, trying, and improving.

Before You Go

• Recommended age: from 6 years old to fully enjoy the content. Younger ones can follow in a stroller and pick up visual details.
• Average duration: 60 to 90 minutes depending on individual interest. Plan for a bit more time if a family workshop or mediation is offered on the day.
• Type of activity: rather calm and educational, with moments of exchange and observation. Ideal when looking for a quality outing without too much noise.
• Reservations and tickets: access is with an entry ticket. No need to book for a simple visit. Workshops and family guided tours often require prior registration (check the museum's agenda).
• Accessibility and strollers: modern building with elevators and wide pathways. Strollers are allowed. Lockers and cloakrooms are useful for traveling light.
• Public transport: ultra simple. The museum is located just next to the Lausanne CFF train station, a few minutes on foot.
• By car: paid parking nearby the station and in the district (expect a bit of walking).
• What to bring: a small water bottle, notebook and pencil to sketch an idea, diaper/wipes if needed, and a light sweater (the rooms are temperate).
• Safety: the visit is calm and supervised. The artworks are not to be touched, but the pathways are clear and family-friendly.
• Best season: all year round, perfect for unpredictable weather or heatwaves.

Parents' Tips

• Check the agenda before leaving: family workshops are very popular and often fully booked.
• Set a mini-challenge for the kids: find 3 "smart" objects and explain why.
• Take short breaks: one room, a bench, we discuss, then we move on.
• Take group photos (without flash) to keep ideas to reinvent at home.
• Combine with a walk around the PLATEFORME 10 campus, pleasant and pedestrian-friendly.

Useful Information

• Address: Place de la Gare 17, 1003 Lausanne
• Official website: https://www.mudac.ch
• Contact: [email protected] | +41 21 318 44 00
• Hours: open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday. Hours may vary depending on exhibitions and events. Check the website before your visit.
• Ideal weather: any conditions, indoor activity.
• Access:
  • Public transport: Lausanne CFF train station just a few minutes on foot; metro and bus connections at the station.
  • Car: paid parking nearby (station area / city center).

Why We Recommend It

• A clear, modern, and accessible place, perfect for a first approach to design.
• Exhibitions that speak to children: concrete objects, well-crafted scenographies, ideas to discuss together.
• An outing that nurtures curiosity, observation skills, and creativity without overstimulation.
• Unbeatable access from the train station: easy with a stroller, without logistical stress.

The Little Idea to Take Away

The mudac offers an inspiring interlude where we look at everyday objects differently. A short visit, easy to organize, that inspires creativity and discussion within the family. For more family-friendly ideas in French-speaking Switzerland, create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter.