LAUSANNE.- The doors of one of Switzerland's most cherished cultural institutions, the Fondation de l’Hermitage in Lausanne, are about to close for an exciting two-year renovation project. Visitors have until November 9, 2025, to catch the last show, Dreamed Poland: 100 Masterpieces from the National Museum in Warsaw, before the museum shutters until autumn 2027.

It's a bittersweet moment for the institution, which has welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors since opening in 1984. The Hermitage has grown into a cultural beacon, celebrated not just for its world-class exhibitions, but for its magnificent setting—a mid-19th-century mansion nestled in a lush park overlooking Lake Geneva.

Upgrading a National Treasure

While the museum has been regularly maintained by the City of Lausanne (which owns the property), the historic structure is overdue for a major overhaul—the first extensive work since the 1980s. This isn't just a touch-up; it's a deep commitment to preserving a national treasure while future-proofing its function as a modern art museum.

The City of Lausanne is financing the essential structural work, including a complete restoration of the building's exterior, a modern update of all interior spaces to current museum standards, and a boost to its energy efficiency.

The Fondation de l’Hermitage is also chipping in, raising funds for complementary upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. This includes modernizing exhibition equipment and significantly improving public accessibility throughout the house and grounds. These changes are crucial for the Foundation to continue attracting and hosting the high-calibre international shows for which it is known. Both parties are committed to ensuring the house—which is listed as a cultural property of national importance—retains every bit of its original architectural charm.

An Active Team, Even Off-Site

The closure doesn’t mean a quiet spell for the museum’s dedicated team. The mediation and conservation staff are already gearing up for a two-year period of intense activity outside the historic walls.

The conservation team will focus on the Foundation’s rich collection, undertaking detailed restorations, research, and managing loans to other institutions. Meanwhile, the mediation team will take the museum on the road, developing a rich program of off-site activities at cultural events and partner institutions. This "outreach" strategy is vital for maintaining the deep connections the Hermitage has forged with its public and patrons over the last four decades.

Most importantly, the staff will be busy preparing a lineup of prestigious and original exhibitions for the grand reopening in late 2027, promising the public a triumphant return to a sublime, updated setting. Until then, don't miss the final chance to enjoy the museum’s unique ambiance with the Polish exhibition before the doors close on November 9.