Theater und Kinos in Lausanne

Theatres and Cinemas

Lausanne’s performing arts landscape spans from the 19th-century Opéra de Lausanne to the industrial-chic Arsenic. The city hosts the Swiss Film Archive and Le Capitole, the country’s largest cinema. Major venues like the 1,800-seat Théâtre de Beaulieu and the lakeside Théâtre de Vidy attract international productions, while specialized spaces like Théâtre Sévelin 36 and Le Petit Théâtre cater to contemporary dance and youth programming.

Opéra de Lausanne

An 1871 neo-baroque opera house designed by Jules-Louis Verrey. It hosts world-class opera, ballet, and concerts in an intimate setting known for its exceptional acoustics.

Ludovic Péron / CC BY-SA 3.0

Swiss Film Archive

The Cinémathèque suisse, formerly the Archives cinématographiques suisses, is a Swiss state-approved non-profit foundation headquartered in…

Théâtre de Beaulieu

Switzerland's largest theater, seating over 1,800 people. Originally built in 1954, it serves as the permanent home for the Prix de Lausanne and hosts major international musicals and ballets.

Mammor / CC BY-SA 4.0

Théâtre de Vidy

A lakeside contemporary theater designed by Max Bill for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition. It is a major European production hub featuring multiple stages and a diverse international program.

Ville Miettinen / CC BY 2.0

Le Capitole

Built in 1928, this is Switzerland's largest cinema hall. Recently restored, it now operates as the primary screening venue for the Swiss Film Archive, showcasing classic and contemporary cinema.

Arsenic

A contemporary performing arts center housed in a former industrial workshop. It focuses on experimental theater, dance, and performance art from emerging local and international artists.

Théâtre Sévelin 36

A venue dedicated to contemporary dance located in the Sévelin industrial district. It hosts the annual Les Printemps de Sévelin festival and supports emerging choreographers.

Le Bourg

A former cinema from the 1950s converted into a cultural venue. It features a diverse lineup including concerts, theater, and club nights within its original retro interior.

Le Petit Théâtre

A dedicated theater for young audiences and families. Founded in 1968, it produces and hosts professional plays and puppet shows in an intimate historic building near the cathedral.