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Museum · Lugano, Ticino
LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura
Lakeside cultural center, opened in 2015, housing the Museu de Arte da Suíça Italiana, the MASI, and a concert and theater hall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura
The LAC is Lugano's cultural centre, opened in 2015 on the lakeshore, next to the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli. The building, by Ticinese architect Ivano Gianola, houses the art museum, a theatre and concert hall, and the headquarters of the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana. A large open plaza and a glass foyer link the city to the lake.
The museum is the MASI, Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana. Its collection ranges from historic Ticino art to modern and contemporary art, and the museum hosts temporary exhibitions by Swiss and international artists. MASI has a second location in the Palazzo Reali, in the centre, a few minutes away.
The performance hall presents concerts, opera, dance and theatre throughout the year. The foyer, with lake views, is open to the public and has a café and a bookshop.
Even if you don't go into the museum, it's worth stopping at the plaza in front, which opens onto the lake and is one of the city's meeting points.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 1h30 to 2 hours for the museum.
Best time
On rainy days or during the hottest hours of summer. Check the schedule of exhibitions and performances before you go.
How to get there
It's on the lakeshore, next to Santa Maria degli Angioli, about a 5-minute walk from Piazza della Riforma and 15 minutes from the station.
Tip
See the LAC concert programme: watching the orchestra in the lakeside hall is a nice evening plan.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura
What is the LAC in Lugano?
It is the city’s cultural center on the lakeshore, opened in 2015, housing the MASI art museum, a concert and theater hall, and the home of the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana.
What does MASI exhibit?
Art from Ticino of past centuries, modern and contemporary art, and temporary exhibitions by Swiss and international artists.
Where is the LAC?
On the waterfront, next to the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, about a 5-minute walk from Piazza della Riforma.