Recognised as a centre of expertise in the field of conservation and enhancement of visual heritage, it holds a unique collection including more one million of phototypes, more than a dozen Collections and full Archives including those of Charles Chaplin, René Burri, Nicolas Bouvier, Ella Maillart. By supporting young photographers, offering new perspectives on the masters and confronting photography with other art forms, the Musée de l’Elysée experiments with the image.

The Musée de l'Elysée presents four major exhibitions in Lausanne each year and an average of fifteen in prestigious museums and festivals around the world. Regional by character and international in scope, it seeks to constantly develop new and exciting ways to interact with audiences and collaborate with other institutions.