Naturéum – zoology department at the Palais de Rumine (Lausanne)

A nature break in the heart of Lausanne

Located at the Palais de Rumine, the zoology department of the Naturéum offers a child-height journey into the animal world. Here, you can discover impressive skeletons, colorful birds, intriguing insects, and a wealth of stories about wildlife. The atmosphere is calm, bright, and conducive to curiosity.

What your children will discover

Here, we observe closely. The displays reveal species from here and elsewhere, and children love to spot the details: claws, wings, teeth, feathers. Older kids decipher the panels to understand how animals live, feed, and adapt. It’s a visit that stimulates wonder, enriches scientific vocabulary, and encourages questions.

• Varied collections: birds, mammals, reptiles, insects.
• Skeletons and skulls to understand anatomy.
• Comparisons between species that sharpen observation skills.

Before you go

The visit is very suitable from age 3, with interest peaking between ages 5 and 12. Allow 60 to 90 minutes to explore at your own pace, more if your children enjoy reading the panels. The activity is rather calm and educational, ideal for a weekend outing or a Wednesday afternoon.

On the practical side, access is without reservation for the permanent exhibitions. Entry to the cantonal museums is often free; check for any temporary exhibitions that may require a fee. The Palais de Rumine is equipped with elevators: strollers and wheelchairs pass through without issue. Public transport serves Riponne very well, and a large underground parking lot is located right next door.

Bring a small water bottle and a snack for after the visit (eating is not allowed in the rooms). Dress your children comfortably: it’s pleasant inside all year round. The places are secure and calm, with closed displays. The activity is perfect for rainy weather, in winter, or on very hot days.

Benefits for your children: scientific curiosity, keen observation, new vocabulary, respect for living beings, confidence when explaining what they have understood.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early in the morning to enjoy a quieter museum.
• Set a mini-challenge: “Find the animal that surprises you the most.”
• Take regular breaks: there are benches in the galleries.
• Photos allowed without flash: perfect for continuing the discussion at home.
• Combine with the youth library (depending on opening hours) or a walk on the Riponne.

Useful information

• Address: Place de la Riponne 6, 1005 Lausanne
• Official website: https://natureum.ch
• Hours: generally from Tuesday to Sunday during the day; closed on Monday and certain holidays. Check the updated hours on the website.
• Ideal weather: all year round; perfect in rainy, cold, or heatwave conditions.
• Public transport access: metro m2, stop Riponne–Maurice Béjart; numerous TL lines.
• Car access: underground parking Riponne in immediate proximity.

Why we recommend it

Because it’s a simple, central, and truly enriching outing. Children observe, compare, discuss… and leave with images in their heads. For families, it guarantees a stress-free discovery moment, suitable for both young and old, with easy access and welcoming spaces.

Want to continue the adventure?

A great idea to awaken scientific curiosity and foster a love for living things. Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to receive more ideas for family outings in French-speaking Switzerland, near you.