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About this place
Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne is one of the most important stages in French-speaking Switzerland, a house where productions are created that later tour festivals and theatres across Europe. It stands in the Vidy district of Lausanne, close to Lake Geneva, and combines a piece of postwar architectural history with a current international artistic programme.
How did the Vidy theatre come to be?
The building was designed by the Zurich architect Max Bill for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition. It was known at the time as the Théâtre de l'Expo and was meant to be a temporary structure that would vanish once the fair ended. Its fate changed thanks to Charles Apothéloz, then co-director of the Théâtre Municipal in Lausanne, who persuaded the city authorities to buy it and use it as an annex to the municipal stage.
Who was Charles Apothéloz?
From 1959 Apothéloz ran the Théâtre Municipal and brought regional artists together under the Centre dramatique romand banner. He also founded the Compagnie des Faux-Nez. From the mid-1970s he directed large open-air popular celebrations, among them the 1977 Fête des Vignerons in Vevey. In 1972 the company, by then renamed Centre dramatique de Lausanne, moved into Vidy. Over time the venue grew into a production centre with no equal elsewhere in French-speaking Switzerland.
What is on stage today?
Since September 2013 the theatre has been led by Vincent Baudriller. The programme pairs high-profile projects by artists from abroad with new work created on site. In 2017 an extra hall, the so-called Wooden Pavilion, was inaugurated, designed at the EPFL's IBOIS laboratory under Yves Weinand. It is a small treat for architecture fans, showing what modern timber construction can do. A renovation and extension by the firm PONT12 architectes was completed in 2023.
Who is it for?
- Visitors planning an evening at the theatre while in Lausanne.
- Fans of twentieth-century architecture and the work of Max Bill.
- Followers of contemporary theatre and dance who want to see internationally scaled productions.
- Walkers exploring the lakeside area of Vidy.
Practical tips
The programme changes through the season, so check the repertoire and ticket availability on the theatre's official website before you go. Many performances are in French, and some titles offer surtitles in other languages, which is worth confirming when you book. The theatre sits amid green, recreational grounds, so it pairs well with a stroll by the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Théâtre de Vidy building? Max Bill, a Swiss architect from Zurich, for the 1964 national exhibition.
Was the theatre meant to be permanent? No. It was conceived as a temporary building, but the City of Lausanne bought it after Charles Apothéloz lobbied for it.
What is the Wooden Pavilion? An additional performance hall opened in 2017, designed by EPFL's IBOIS laboratory.
When was the latest renovation finished? In 2023, to a design by PONT12 architectes.
Who runs the theatre? Vincent Baudriller, since September 2013.
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