Platform 10

Inaugurated on 15 June 2022, the new arts district in the capital of Vaud is called Plateforme 10, and promises a veritable cultural voyage. And since its creation, it has provided access to three museums in a single location. The idea is bold, as is its architectural structure: three institutions with different identities, all opting for perfect synergy by pooling their works. Plateforme 10 brings together photography, fine art and design.

The Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA), the Musée cantonal du design et d'arts appliqués contemporains (mudac), the Musée cantonal de la photographie (Photo Elysée), and the Tom Pauli and Félix Vallotton foundations have all set up on this site. The site is close to the railway line and former railway warehouses.

The MCBA is the first to move into this structure. In October 2019, it will move out of the Palais Rumine and into an iconic brick building 145 metres long.

Over the years and through donations, the museum has assembled an impressive and unique collection of over 10,000 works. It traces the history and origins of Western art all the way back to Ancient Egypt, and includes contemporary works. The museum exhibits both international and local artists. In addition to its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, it organises events, workshops and meetings.

Close to the MCBA are the Toms Pauli and Félux Vallotton foundations. The former was established by the State of Vaud in 2000 and manages a collection of tapestries and textiles dating from the twentieth century. The Félix Vallotton Foundation is dedicated to the study of life, drawing on the artist's scientific archives.

On 18 June 2022, the other two museums were added to the cultural centre. The first is the Photo Elysée, which has abandoned its mansion in Ouchy. This museum showcases 8th art through monographic and multidisciplinary exhibitions, while promoting modern artists and digital projects.

It is now Europe's largest museum of photography. It carefully guards the archives of great travellers such as Ella Maillart and Charles Chaplin. In all, it holds more than a million prints, negatives, contact sheets and slides (documentaries, photojournalism, creations) and amateur photos (family photos, travel souvenirs, etc.). Its exhibitions are powerful and take place throughout the year.

Finally, the Mudac has moved from its medieval building to white concrete walls designed by the Portuguese architects Aires Mateus. This museum is dedicated to design, with exhibitions that question life in society through graphic art, jewellery, ceramics, glass art and design.

More than just a cultural centre with three museums, the site is also a place to enjoy life in its restaurants and cafés. The site also hosts shows and concerts.