The Olympic rings have taken centre stage in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a new large-scale installation unveiled in front of the Olympic Museum.
The installation was officially inaugurated on 5 October 2026 by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, alongside representatives of the City of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud.
The landmark celebrates Lausanne’s unique place in the Olympic Movement and its longstanding relationship with the IOC, which has been headquartered in the city since 1915.
The installation stands by Lake Geneva, just steps from the Olympic Museum, which welcomes more than 400,000 visitors every year.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “The rings embody the universality of the Olympic Movement and the coming together of athletes from around the world.“
She added that they also remind us of the unique role of the City of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud, from where the Olympic Movement has brought its values of excellence, respect and friendship to life for more than a century.
A Century of Olympic History
Lausanne has been home to the IOC since 1915, when Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, transferred the organisation’s headquarters to the Swiss city.
In 1994, Lausanne was officially awarded the unique title of Olympic Capital.
In 2020, it hosted the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Today, the city is home to around 60 international sports federations and organisations.
Mayor of Lausanne Grégoire Junod said: “These rings provide a powerful and instantly recognisable expression of Lausanne’s identity as the Olympic Capital.“
He added that they reflect a shared history that began in 1915, while also symbolising a commitment to promoting sport, its values and the Olympic Movement from Lausanne to the world.
The installation creates a new landmark for international sport on the lakeshore and is visible from the water.
The new rings stand opposite the Olympic Museum and join existing installations at the entrance to the IOC headquarters in Vidy and at Lausanne railway station.
