Olympic rings unveiled in Lausanne to celebrate city’s longstanding ties to the Olympic Movement
The Olympic rings have taken centre stage in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a new set unveiled in front of the Olympic Museum, shining a spotlight on the city’s special place at the heart of the Olympic Movement. The large-scale installation was officially inaugurated on 5 October by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Kirsty Coventry, together with representatives of the City of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud.
Key facts
- New Olympic rings installation unveiled on 5 October 2026 in front of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
- During the inauguration, IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasised that the Olympic rings are symbols of universality and unity.
- 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.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the significance of the new landmark and the values it represents, during an unveiling ceremony attended by local authorities.
“The rings embody the universality of the Olympic Movement and the coming together of athletes from around the world,” said Coventry.
Here, in front of the Olympic Museum, 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. We look forward to maintaining these ties for many years to come.
The Olympic rings installation creates a new landmark celebrating a relationship that dates back more than a century, when the IOC established its headquarters in Lausanne in 1915.
These rings provide a powerful and instantly recognisable expression of Lausanne’s identity as the Olympic Capital. 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 stands by Lake Geneva, just steps from the Olympic Museum, which welcomes more than 400,000 visitors every year.
Lausanne’s Olympic legacy
Lausanne has been home to the IOC since 1915, when Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games and IOC President from 1896 to 1925, transferred the organisation’s headquarters to the Swiss city. In 1994, Lausanne was officially awarded the unique title of Olympic Capital, and in 2020 it hosted the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Today, the city is home to around 60 international sports federations and organisations, forming one of the world's leading hubs for international sport.