Visiting ‘TOM’ in Lausanne

Every four years one city/country hosts the spirit of the Olympics. Probably not as well known is the fact that the International Olympic Committee lives in Lausanne, Switzerland, and with it the Olympic Museum, probably one of the best museums I’ve visited in Switzerland. A visit to the museum had been on my wish list since moving to Switzerland, but the museum was closed for renovations for a year or so and had only reopened in late 2013. I’m glad I waited because the exhibitions are engaging, the history is fascinating, and the images are inspiring.

Yes hosting the Olympic Games has a high price tag and there are pros and cons to it, but when practically the whole world comes together to celebrate “Citius – Altius – Fortius” or “Faster – Higher – Stronger” (the Olympic motto) in an act of peace, it’s a wonderful thing. Pierre de Coubertin, the Frenchman who revived the Olympic Movement in the late 19th century following a ban by the Romans in 393 A.D. for being a “pagan cult”, adopted these three Latin words from the Dominican priest Henri Didon who first expressed the words in the opening ceremony of a school sports event in 1881. For Coubertin, it expresses the aspirations of the Olympic Movement not only in its athletic and technical sense but also from a moral and educational perspective. Want to know more about the history of the Olympics and can’t make it to Lausanne? Check out this interactive Olympic Journey!

What better way to end the day visiting the museum than to visit the store and TOM’s cafe. Why “TOM”? I asked myself that during the whole visit and didn’t get it till we ordered lunch – TOM = “The Olympic Museum”… I guess I should have paid more attention. The cafe not only has a good selection of food (served until 230pm), but also has a great view of Lake Geneva and plenty of memorabilia from all the Olympics… now only if they would sell the place mats.

Above foodie photo taken from this guy below who took a spin on a swing before getting to the museum.