Kunstmuseum Luzern
Art museum on the 4th floor of the KKL at Lucerne railway station with temporary exhibitions, contemporary art and a collection from the Renaissance to the present.
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About the museum
The museum is run by the Kunstgesellschaft Luzern, which was founded in 1819 as a forum for artists and art enthusiasts and set out to create spaces for exhibitions. The Kunstmuseum itself was established in 1932; today it is located on the fourth floor of the Culture and Convention Centre KKL, built by Jean Nouvel, with its entrance on the railway station side.
The museum sees itself as open to current social issues and shows around ten exhibitions a year, three at a time: international temporary exhibitions, a collection presentation newly conceived each year, and first solo exhibitions by emerging artists. Historical highlights included the 1935 show "Thesis, Antithesis and Synthesis" with Kandinsky, Miró and Picasso, the contemporary art exhibitions of the 1970s under Jean-Christophe Ammann, and presentations of Jeff Wall, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman in the 1990s.
The collection extends from the Renaissance to the present and focuses on Swiss art, art of the 1970s and the documentation of the temporary exhibitions. For several years the museum has worked purposefully on accessibility and inclusion, for example with plain language and quiet time slots; the director is Fanni Fetzer.
Highlights
- Temporary exhibitions with international appeal
- Collection presentation newly conceived every year
- Café on the 4th floor with a view over Lake Lucerne
- Education space with activities for children and families
- Location in Jean Nouvel's KKL right at the railway station
- Founded
- 1932
- Operated by
- Kunstgesellschaft Luzern
- Director
- Fanni Fetzer
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 12Lucerne Tourism guest card, disability insurance (IV), artist cards (Visarte/Art Card, IAA/AIAP) and groups of 10 or more (with registration) |
| Children & teens | CHF 6free up to age 16 · Children and teenagers up to 16 years have free admission; young adults aged 16 to 25 pay CHF 6. |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 12companion free · Disability pension (IV): reduced admission; companions of people with disabilities free of charge. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 6Students with ID and young adults aged 16 to 25. |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 12 per personGroups of 10 or more with registration. |
Free admission: Free on the first Sunday of every month
Prices may vary depending on the exhibition. Free for members of the Kunstgesellschaft Luzern, holders of Kulturlegi, the Swiss and Lucerne Museum Pass, the Raiffeisen card and the Swiss Travel System, as well as ICOM/VMS members and teachers from Central Switzerland. Public guided tours are included in the admission price.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
All rooms are step-free and accessible by wheelchair; a wheelchair and a walker are available at the ticket desk. A lift leads directly from the station car park P1+P2 to the 4th floor; disabled parking spaces are available in the station car park. The website is available in plain language, and sign language tours are offered on request (two weeks' notice). The team is familiar with the Sunflower Lanyard.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Family tour for adults with children aged 5 and over (90 minutes, included in admission), free children's handout, education space with hands-on activities, and a children's club for 5- to 10-year-olds.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Luzern Bahnhof
The museum is located right next to Lucerne railway station; the entrance is on the station side in the KKL.
By car
Parking available
Parking spaces for people with disabilities in the station car park P1+P2; a lift leads from there directly to the museum on the 4th floor.
- Accessible parking
The museum can also be reached via the shopping arcade beneath the railway station (to the left of the Coop) or at street level across the road in front of the station.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
Café on the 4th floor with a view over Lake Lucerne, accessible without a museum ticket and step-free; museum shop with publications and editions (online shop). Handbags up to A4 size may be taken into the exhibition.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The café can be hired for events; private tours are also possible outside opening hours.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming for private purposes with a smartphone or compact camera are permitted (exceptions are marked); flash, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed, and professional recordings must be registered. |
| Good to know | Public events, including guided tours, take place on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. Private tours for up to 25 people (60 minutes, CHF 190 plus admission). |
