Lugano Arte e Cultura

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura

A modern hub for theatre, music, and exhibitions.

LAC is Lugano’s leading cultural venue and one of the most prominent in Switzerland. Located by the lakeside in a striking modern building, it houses a theatre, concert hall, and the MASI Lugano art museum. It hosts opera and theatre productions, classical and contemporary concerts, and major art exhibitions. The centre is a vibrant symbol of cultural life in southern Switzerland.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Lugano center 4-6 min.

From St. Moritz by car ~2 h 51 min.

From Davos by car ~2 h 34 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~3 h 33 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~3 h 12 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

LAC is Lugano’s flagship arts hub on the lakefront, combining the MASI museum venue with a versatile theatre–concert hall and public spaces overlooking the bay.

Key features

Inaugurated on 12 September 2015; designed by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola as the city’s largest recent urban project.
Sala Teatro seats ~984–986 with advanced acoustics and a large stage.
MASI’s LAC venue offers ~2,500 m² of temporary exhibitions.
Address: Piazza Bernardino Luini 6 beside Santa Maria degli Angioli.
Next door, the Giancarlo & Danna Olgiati Collection opens free to the public a few times a year.

What to see

Concerts, opera and drama in the Sala Teatro.
MASI Lugano exhibitions within the LAC building.
Lake-view foyers and terraces; nearby Santa Maria degli Angioli with Luini’s Renaissance fresco.

History

The complex stands on the former gardens of the Santa Maria degli Angioli convent and the Grand Hotel Palace park, knitting the lakefront to the city centre.

It opened on 12.09.2015 and now hosts a full season of performing arts while serving as one of MASI’s two venues; the hall has welcomed leading orchestras and festivals in Ticino.

Practical information

Location: Piazza Bernardino Luini 6, 6900 Lugano – by the lakeside and Santa Maria degli Angioli.

Getting there: From the SBB station take the Sassellina funicular to Piazza Cioccaro and walk ~10–12 min; TPL buses 1 and 4 stop by LAC.

Access: Step-free entrances and lifts; cloakroom and info desk in the foyer.

Visiting hours: Ticket office Mon–Fri 11:00–18:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00. MASI at LAC Tue/Wed/Fri 11:00–18:00; Thu 11:00–20:00; Sat/Sun/Public holidays 10:00–18:00; Mon closed. Performances per schedule.

Visit duration: 60–120 min for exhibitions; 2–3 h for a performance.

Best time: Evenings for shows and illuminated façades; weekday daytime for quieter galleries.

Notes: MASI (LAC venue) tickets typically CHF 20 full, CHF 16 reduced; the Olgiati Collection is free when open.

Tours