Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Have you ever sought movie reviews from friends about a newly released film, and been amazed by the dramatically opposing views they express? I marvel at how two close friends can see the same film and yet one exclaims, it’s the best movie I have ever seen, while another asserts, it was a colossal waste of time. Were they actually viewing the same film? Am I schizophrenic for having friends who hold such drastically differing views?

They say, One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Reviews I read recently about a museum in Switzerland remind me of this old saying. La Musee de l’Art Brut, located in the scenic Lausanne, is one of my favorite museums in the world. I discovered it while touring Europe the summer after graduate school. It showcases a collection of art work created primarily by the institutionalized: schizophrenics, manic-depressives, and other psychiatric patients.

I was mesmerized by the collection and recall spending hours there and even buying the souvenir book.

Take a look at these current reviews on a popular travel critic forum:

“Absorbing, thought-provoking, stimulating, emotional...”I discovered Art Brut (Outsider Art in English) because of this museum. My first visit lasted over 3 hours - even though it's a relatively small museum - and I only left because it was closing time. I have since been several times, each time discovering something new and spending more time to contemplate specific works of art.

The lives of outsider artists are as important as the works themselves, and these are described briefly in short texts on the walls of the museum giving you insight into how the works were made and the circumstances. In my subjective opinion, the most impressive work is that of the life-size horse made of various pieces of wood (I don't remember the artist). It's stunningly (and surprisingly) beautiful- there is much movement and life in it that you can almost hear the galloping. Incredible.

An extraordinary place and one which will stay with you long after your visit.

“the worst place ever”It sucked. I've never been so bored in my life. Just a lot of naked people. I see enough of those at home.

“A clinicians day out!”Although difficult to initially find via the bus, (you need to get off at Beaulieu) this gallery is one of the most interesting that I have had the pleasure to visit. A simple facade hides both the depth and size of the collection, and once inside, the collection is one of abject fascination for both public and clinical interest.

Beginning with a collection of artworks by learning disabled artists, and continuing on two further floors with artworks from a number of other artists with mental health issues, as well as psychics and prisoners, the collection is extensive. Clear and concise histories of each artist are placed alongside each set of works (in both French and English) which allow some insight into their lives.
Altogether, a truly fascinating collection that I feel honored to have seen. However, be aware that this is a very large collection over three floors, and any visit will be a long one!

Finally, for those reading this who have mobility issues, there are three sets of stairs (and no lift that I could find), but the staff are friendly, helpful and approachable.

“Fascinating!”A fascinating but also quite disturbing collection of 'outsider art'.

I wasn't aware of what I was going to see when I visited this museum but was blown away by the kind of artworks that were on display.

As the previous reviewer said, some of the work was quite accomplished but other pieces, very child-like. My conclusion was that there is a very fine line between genius and madness in art.

A memorable visit and would recommend as a must-see if visiting Lausanne.

“Mind-blowing!”Le Collection de L'Art Brut is possibly the most interesting art gallery I've ever seen, and a definite highlight of my visit to Lausanne. It's a collection of 'outsider art' - visual artwork created mostly by schizophrenics, manic-depressives, and other psychiatric patients. Some of the art is brilliant, while some of it is less technically proficient (even childish in its execution) but genuinely disturbing. The staff are helpful (though it helps if you speak French), and the experience unforgettable. After my first visit to the Collection, I found myself drawn back to it two days later, and would love a chance to see it again.

Where do you think YOU would fall on the spectrum of--admirers versus detesters--of these works?

If you are interested, here is the Museum address: Collection de l'Art Brut-- 11 av des Bergieres, Lausanne 1004, Switzerland Tel: 41 21 315 25 70 Fax: 41 21 315 25 71