The Musée de l'Art Brut sits on Avenue des Bergières in Lausanne, Switzerland, and it is devoted to Art Brut and outsider art: work made by self-taught artists, outside the conventions of the academies and the art market. The museum is also known as the Art Brut Museum.
Its founding idea comes from Jean Dubuffet, whose collection of unconventional artistic expressions gave the museum its foundation. The visit is therefore less a survey of familiar styles than an encounter with a different way of making images and objects.
What to expect
- A focused collection of works by self-taught artists, rather than a broad general survey
- Pieces that often challenge what visitors expect from painting, drawing and sculpture
- A museum that suits a slow, attentive visit of an hour or so
For visitors who enjoy unusual art, the museum offers something quite distinct from most Swiss collections. It is a good choice for those curious about the margins of art history and the people who work there without formal training.
Around the museum
Lausanne is a lakeside city on the shore of Lake Geneva, and the museum makes a natural stop within a day of exploring the town. Those planning a visit can contact the museum by telephone at +41 21 315 25 70 to check current arrangements before going.
