Le Métropole, a beautiful example of avant-garde architecture, is a protected historical monument located in the heart of Lausanne. The building was constructed to designs by Alphonse Laverrière from 1929, and is part of the Bel-Air tower complex. Le Métropole houses a large variety of events (classical and pop-rock concerts, ballets, stage shows and conferences) set in unique surroundings.

Restoring original decorative and architectural features has turned Le Métropole into a multi-functional hall and made it the venue of a large variety of quality shows.

Large investments were made to improve the acoustics of the hall and today every seat in the house offers a good view of the stage. Therefore, Le Métropole is of particular interest to lovers of classical music. In fact, the hall has been home to the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne (OCL), the chamber music orchestra of Lausanne, since 1994. Every year, the orchestra gives over 25 concerts here.

Its 180 sq. m stage allows Le Métropole to welcome internationally known ballet companies. World-famous Béjart Ballet Lausanne has long been a fervent supporter of the hall. Every year since 1994, it performs new creations here.

Furthermore, the maximum standing capacity is 2,017 people, which is why the hall also houses performances by famous contemporary artists.

After it’s opening in the 1930’s, Le Métropole welcomed celebrities such as Joséphine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Charles Trenet, Mistinguett and the like. Today, the hall remains in tune with modern trends and welcomes artists of the new millennium like Björk, Portishead, Air and Noir Désir.

Le Métropole, in other words, is a reminder of the past and stands for modernity in the future

Association Musique Métropole

		“Having such a high-quality concert hall in the heart of Lausanne is why I accepted to become the art director of the OCL (Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne) in 2000/2001. The hall was even called a “gem” by Russel Johnson, acoustics expert and founding architect of ARTEC (the New-York based company in charge of the acoustic properties of the hall). Every year, the orchestra gives about 30 concerts in the hall and all our rehearsals are held there.” Christian Zacharias Art director of the OCL (Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne)