Collection de l'art brut, Lausanne

The Collection de l'Art Brut is a unique museum nestled in the vibrant city of Lausanne, Switzerland, which champions the raw and unfiltered expressions of outsider art. This distinctive institution is dedicated to showcasing the creative works of self-taught artists, who are often on the fringes of the mainstream art world. These creators, many of whom have little or no formal artistic training, bring forth an array of powerful and unconventional art pieces that challenge traditional artistic norms.

Housed in a grand building that was once a prison, the Collection de l'Art Brut was inaugurated in 1976 after the French artist Jean Dubuffet donated his own collection of outsider art to the city of Lausanne. Dubuffet coined the term "art brut," which translates to "raw art," to describe art that is created outside the academic tradition and cultural mainstream.

The museum's collection has grown significantly over the years and now includes thousands of works from various artists around the world. The pieces range from paintings and drawings to sculptures and textiles, all characterized by their visceral, unpolished, and often deeply personal nature. The art displayed is often born from the artists' experiences with marginalization, psychiatric disorders, or social isolation, giving a voice to those typically unheard in the art community.

Visitors to the Collection de l'Art Brut can expect to engage with a diverse array of exhibitions. The museum frequently updates its displays, drawing from its extensive collection to ensure that each visit offers a fresh and thought-provoking experience. The museum not only provides a platform for these remarkable artists but also encourages discourse on the nature of creativity and the definition of art itself.