Collection de l’Art Brut

There are many museums, art galleries and cultural attractions in Lausanne, but the internationally recognised Collection de l’Art Brut is a true anomaly.  

‘Art brut’ translates to ‘raw art’: work by self-taught artists working on the margins of the established art world. This may include eccentrics, prisoners, psychiatric patients and non-conformists who operate outside of traditional artistic principles and influences. Their resulting work can be provocative, unsettling or even confrontational, so a visit to this art gallery is always thought-provoking.

The museum attributes its origin story to artist Jean Dubuffet, whose philosophy underpins the collection and its purpose. Today, it’s recognised as one of the world’s most significant collections devoted to art brut in the world.