UNIL-CHUV Hand Museum in Lausanne: science and health for the family

A Curious Outing in the Heart of Lausanne

At the Musée de la Main UNIL‑CHUV, families dive into the universe of the human body, health, and sciences with a very accessible approach. The temporary exhibitions, always well-curated, blend objects, experiences, and small manipulations. Visitors move around calmly, touch, test, and ask questions. The atmosphere is welcoming and focused on discovery.

What Your Children Will Discover

Here, learning happens through doing. Children manipulate installations, observe models, compare sensations, and read stories about care and science. Depending on the current exhibition, topics include emotions, nutrition, everyday objects, or medicine from yesterday and today. It’s playful, concrete, and very sensory. Parents appreciate the clear explanations and family-friendly pathways.

What to Expect On-Site

• Mainly calm and educational activities, with moments of manipulation.
• Average duration: 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete visit, without rushing.
• Ages: ideal from 6 years old up to teens; younger ones follow with the help of an adult.
• Paid entry (family rates and frequent discounts); workshops by registration according to the schedule.
• Stroller and wheelchair: elevators and fluid spaces; easy circulation.
• Very simple public transport access (metro M2, stop CHUV); few parking spaces nearby.
• What to bring: a small water bottle, a snack for after the visit, and a notebook to jot down questions that arise.
• Safety: calm spaces, present staff, child-friendly equipment.
• Weather: perfect all year round, especially in rainy or heatwave conditions.

Educational Extras

The visit nurtures scientific curiosity, provides words to talk about the body and emotions, and invites critical thinking. Children gain confidence by experimenting on their own and arguing their observations. It’s also a great introduction to health, care, and respect for living beings.

Parents' Tips

• Check the current exhibition: each theme changes the experience.
• Book workshops in advance; they fill up quickly during holidays.
• Arrive by public transport: it’s simpler than by car.
• Allow some extra time: children like to redo manipulations.
• Take a reading break: the labels are short and well-thought-out for families.

Useful Information

• Address: Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011 Lausanne
• Website: https://www.museedelamain.ch
• Hours: generally from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday; check hours and holidays on the website.
• Ideal weather: all year round, especially in rainy or very hot weather.
• Access: metro M2, stop CHUV (a few minutes on foot). Limited paid parking around CHUV; prefer public transport.

Why We Recommend It

• A child-sized, interactive, and calming museum.
• Current themes that resonate with the whole family, from everyday life to major societal questions.
• A place that encourages parent-child discussion and active discovery.
• Easily accessible by transport, perfect in any season.

In Two Words

An intelligent and playful visit to nurture your children's curiosity and open dialogue about the body and health. Looking for more ideas? Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to not miss anything in French-speaking Switzerland.