As far as the collection goes, MCBA has approximately 11,000 works and its reputation, both national and international, relies on five major collections: the Abraham-Louis-Rodolphe Ducros (1748-1810), Charles Gleyre (1806-1874), Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923), Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) and Louis Soutter (1871-1942) collections.

The collection’s main focus stretches from the 18th century to post-impressionism, with some beautiful examples of cubism and abstract art of Vaud. The museum’s collection relies on donations from individuals, long-term loans from institutions, and a purchasing policy that tends to complete existing collections while at the same time keeping an eye out for contemporary art, whether local to the Vaud region or international.