We are delighted to invite members and guests of the Oxford and Cambridge Club of Geneva to a cultural day in Lausanne, combining art, history, and conviviality in a setting of elegance and inspiration.

Our day will begin with a private guided visit to the Fondation de l’Hermitage, one of Lausanne’s most beautiful art institutions, housed in a 19th-century villa surrounded by parkland. The highlight is this season’s much-anticipated exhibition:

La Pologne rêvée – Chefs-d’œuvre des collections polonaises,
which brings together exceptional works from Poland’s foremost national collections — many of which are rarely seen outside the country.

This landmark exhibition explores the flowering of Polish art from the late 19th to the early 20th century, a time marked by both artistic ferment and national upheaval. The period witnessed the rise of artists such as Jacek Malczewski, Józef Chełmoński, and Olga Boznańska, who blended international training—often in Paris, Munich, or Vienna—with a deeply rooted Polish sensibility. Their work spans Realism, Impressionism, Symbolism, and the early stirrings of Modernism, offering powerful reflections on identity, exile, nature, and the role of art in national renewal.

More than a visual delight, the exhibition offers a window into the cultural resilience of a country that, during much of this era, existed only in memory and imagination. The show also highlights Poland’s dynamic interplay with broader European artistic movements—an ideal theme for Oxbridge minds drawn to cross-cultural currents, historical depth, and intellectual exchange.

Following the visit, we will continue our day at the elegant Brasserie de Montbenon, perched above Lausanne with sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. This historic venue, set in a grand former casino, offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. We will enjoy a three-course lunch prepared from seasonal local produce, allowing us to linger over thoughtful conversation in good company.

Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Club, we warmly encourage you to join this enriching day—celebrating shared cultural interests and the enduring pleasures of fellowship.

Programme
10:30 – Private guided tour at Fondation de l’Hermitage
12:30 – Transfer to Brasserie de Montbenon
13:00 – Three-course lunch overlooking the lake

Registration Details
Spaces are limited. Please register early via the Wild Apricot event page.

Kindly indicate any dietary restrictions or food preferences in the designated box during registration.