Renens between culture, art and urban history

Renens is an urban municipality in the canton of Vaud, in the Ouest lausannois district, and borders Lausanne directly. The densely populated urban area is also characterised by parks and green spaces; Lake Geneva is nearby. Visitors wishing to focus their stay on cultural and historical themes will find several different points of interest in Renens: a theatre, an intercultural library, art offerings and a route that passes through several municipalities.

Urban history and the Quartier de la Piscine

Renens was first mentioned in a document in 896. From an agriculturally oriented village, it developed through trade and crafts, as well as industrialisation in the 19th and 20th centuries, into an urban centre. The Quartier de la Piscine offers a specific link to architectural and local history: its built ensemble is listed in the Inventory of Monuments and Sites of the canton of Vaud. The «Cahier de l’Ouest» traces the history and development of the neighbourhood over more than 50 years. This makes it possible to connect Renens’ broader development with a look at a particular neighbourhood.

Theatre and cultural encounters

The TKM Théâtre Kléber-Méleau is located in Renens-Malley. It has a cultural mission that includes hosting productions, opening the theatre to schools and people with disabilities, and supporting amateur theatre through «La Ruche». Its profile therefore encompasses both guest productions and the promotion of its own theatre activities. The TKM can be reached by metro M1, buses 17, 18, 19, 32 and 33, and trains S1, S2 and S3. Check connections again before travelling.

Globlivres is Switzerland’s first intercultural library and was founded in 1988. Its collection comprises 35,000 books in 300 languages. Its founding year, size and linguistic diversity give the library theme in Renens its own historical and multilingual dimension. Cultural options therefore include a range of different focuses: theatre and amateur theatre at the TKM, a wide-ranging collection at Globlivres, and the art and event offerings of the Ferme des Tilleuls.

Art and programme at the Ferme des Tilleuls

The Ferme des Tilleuls offers exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, scientific gatherings, readings, ceramics workshops, artist residencies and participatory works. Its multidisciplinary programme is open to everyone; invited artists develop site-specific projects. This range brings together different forms of events rather than limiting the venue to a single art form.

«Le Colossal d’Art Brut ORGANuGAMME II», a monumental ceramic artwork by Danielle Jacqui, is permanently installed in the courtyard. The 36-tonne composition was originally intended to cover the façade of the railway station in Aubagne, France. Its current installation in Renens gives visitors a tangible connection to art; the work’s original purpose is also part of its history. The Café des Tilleuls serves daily dishes from the region and elsewhere, prepared mainly with local ingredients and usually as vegetarian dishes. The offering may change; check before your visit.

A route through several municipalities

The «Balade des contrastes» leads from Renens Village via Malley and the lakeshore to Dorigny. It passes through Renens, Prilly, Lausanne, St-Sulpice, Ecublens and Chavannes-près-Renens. The route description thus offers a different perspective from individual cultural venues: it focuses on a route through several municipalities. Check route conditions before setting out. Together, the cultural offerings and the route reveal different facets of Renens—from theatre, library and art to a route with several named stops.

Discover more destinations: Lausanne, Belmont-Sur-Lausanne, Epalinges, Crissier, Romanel-Sur-Lausanne, Bussigny.

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