Plateforme 10

Lausanne, Switzerland

Member Profile

Plateforme 10 is a new arts district opened in 2021, the only one of its kind in Switzerland, built on the site of the former locomotive repair hall. Covering an area of more than 25,000 m2, the site houses the MCBA (Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts), the mudac (Cantonal Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts), and Photo Elysée (Cantonal Museum of Photography).

Two buildings designed by internationally renowned architects – Barozzi Veiga from Barcelona for the MCBA and Aires Mateus from Lisbon for the mudac and Photo Elysée – run alongside the railway tracks in the middle of a vast esplanade, offering a wide range of artistic offerings, as well as the opportunity to stroll, cycle or skateboard between the terraces and arcades hosting bars, shows and concerts.

In addition to the traditional tasks of the three museums that make Plateforme 10, the district aims to be the nodal point of a vast network stretching from the city to the international level, presenting arts and culture as reflections of the world that gave rise to them. This new arts district is a cultural hub that makes Lausanne the cultural capital of French-speaking Switzerland.

Key People

Patrick Gyger
Director General

Key Data

Created: 2021
Joined GCDN: 2023
District Size: 25'000 sqm

Additional Information

Mission

Plateforme 10 is a group of museums for the 21st century, questioning the meaning of its missions, its relationship with the public and its impact on societal change, and defending a culture that combines artistic practices from different eras. It offers spaces for discovery, sharing and conviviality for all audiences.

Reason for joining GCDN

Joining GCDN is a way to share questions (and hopefully answers) that most cultural districts have in common: opening to new audiences, finding new ressources, being relevant, challenging and welcoming… GCDN is a place to share best practices and discuss experiences with fellow members.