Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana

About the museum

MASI was created as a foundation in 2015. It unites the art collections of the Canton of Ticino and the City of Lugano, which were entrusted to it that year, thereby bringing together the holdings of canton and city. The collection comprises more than 14,000 works from around the end of the 15th century to the present, with a focus on Swiss and Ticinese art; it grows through purchases and private donations and is shown in changing presentations.

The main location is the LAC cultural centre on Piazza Bernardino Luini, with around 2,500 square metres on three floors, of which 1,900 square metres are exhibition space. The second location is the Palazzo Reali in the old town, which opened in 1987 as the cantonal art museum (Museo Cantonale d'Arte); the building was donated to the canton by Secondo Reali and comprehensively renovated through 2019. It offers 900 square metres for permanent presentations of the collection and temporary projects. Also linked to MASI is the neighbouring Giancarlo and Danna Olgiati Collection of contemporary art.

The programme ranges from the great masters of the 20th century to the present and includes painting, sculpture, video art and, increasingly in recent years, photography. A restoration workshop of its own looks after the collection; since 2020 the museum has held the "Culture inclusive" label from Pro Infirmis.

Highlights

• Art collection with over 14,000 works from the 15th century to the present
• Two locations: LAC on Lake Lugano and the historic Palazzo Reali
• Olgiati Collection with Nouveau Réalisme and contemporary art
• Art in Ticino 1850–1950 in the collection presentation
• "Culture inclusive" label and many education and outreach programmes

Permanent exhibition

• Die Sammlung des MASI – The collection of the Canton of Ticino and the City of Lugano, comprising over 14,000 works, is shown in rotating presentations, including at the Palazzo Reali.

Founded

2015

Operated by

Fondazione MASI Lugano

Director

Letizia Ragaglia

Visitors per year

approx. 62,876

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission every first Thursday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm

Prices for the LAC location; no rate has been published for the Palazzo Reali during its closure. Free admission with the Swiss Museum Pass, Raiffeisen "Member Plus" card, ICOM, AMS/VMS, KulturLegi, MASI Membership, ProMuseo, LAC+ subscription, Visarte and for 18-year-olds of the City of Lugano, among others. Reduction on presentation of Ticino Ticket, RailAway, Holiday Card, partner hotels, FAI Swiss and other cards; with MyLugano Card and MyLugano Pass 10% cashback in LVGA points.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Since 2020 MASI has held the "Culture inclusive" label (Pro Infirmis). The exhibition rooms of the LAC can be reached by lift at the restaurant Luini 6 and by escalator; the toilets are wheelchair accessible. The car park has six disabled parking spaces on level –2, two wheelchairs are available on request, and guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. Museum visits for blind and visually impaired people, adapted guided tours and sign-language videos on works in the collection are offered; contact for accessibility: +41 58 866 42 38.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children and young people up to 16 enter free of charge. LAC edu offers guided tours with creative workshops for children and schools as well as family programmes; the LAC has creative spaces for children and families.

Getting there & parking

Palazzo Reali location: Via Canova 10, in the centre of Lugano.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

At the LAC: bistro and restaurant "Luini 6" with a terrace on Piazza Luini and a bar on the mezzanine; LAC shop (art, architecture and children's books, open on Sundays). Large bags over 40 × 40 × 20 cm, trolleys and backpacks must be left in the cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit