Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI Lugano)
Ticino
Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana, commonly known as MASI Lugano, is a distinguished art museum located in Lugano, Switzerland. Established in 2015 through the merger of the Museo Cantonale d'Arte and the Museum of Modern Art of Lugano, MASI focuses primarily on 19th and 20th-century art, with a strong emphasis on artists from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. The museum operates from two key locations: the Palazzo Reali, housing the permanent collection, and the Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) center, dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Its collection includes important works by both regional and international artists, such as Degas, Renoir, and Picasso, highlighting the evolution of modern and contemporary art. MASI also presents the Collezione Giancarlo e Danna Olgiati, featuring over 200 avant-garde works from the 20th and 21st centuries. As a cultural institution, MASI not only preserves significant artistic heritage but also actively promotes contemporary art through exhibitions and events, including hosting the prestigious Manor Cultural Prize. The museum is recognized as a cultural asset of national importance in Switzerland and plays a vital role in the artistic landscape of Ticino and beyond.
Plan your trip to Switzerland with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to check MASI Lugano's official website for current exhibitions and opening hours, as the museum operates across two venues with different focuses. Early booking of tickets is recommended for special exhibitions. The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the museum also participates in cultural events in Lugano. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers informative guided tours and interactive programs to enrich the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •MASI Lugano was formed by merging two major Lugano art institutions in 2015.
- •The museum operates from two locations: Palazzo Reali (permanent collection) and LAC (temporary exhibitions).
- •The art collections are classified as cultural assets of national significance in Switzerland.
- •MASI hosts the Manor Cultural Prize, a prestigious Swiss national fine arts award given biennially.
- •The Collezione Giancarlo e Danna Olgiati includes over 200 avant-garde works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
History
The origins of MASI Lugano trace back to the late 19th century with the foundation of the Museo Cantonale d'Arte and the Museo Civico di Belle Arti – Fondazione Caccia, initially housed in Villa Malpensata and later in Villa Ciani.
The Museo Cantonale d'Arte was officially opened in 1987 in Palazzo Reali.
In 2015, a strategic merger united the Museo Cantonale d'Arte and the city’s Museo d’Arte to form MASI Lugano, consolidating the art collections and exhibitions under one institution.
Since 2019, MASI operates from two main sites, the renovated Palazzo Reali and the LAC cultural center, enhancing its capacity for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Throughout its history, MASI has evolved to become one of Switzerland’s key art museums, supported by federal cultural programs and recognized for its contribution to preserving and promoting art in the Italian-speaking region.
Place Guide
Palazzo Reali Permanent Collection18th century (building origin)
This historic building hosts MASI's permanent exhibition, showcasing 19th and 20th-century artworks with a focus on artists from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, alongside notable international masters such as Degas and Renoir.
Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) Exhibition SpaceOpened in 2015
LAC is the contemporary cultural center where MASI presents temporary exhibitions, including modern and contemporary art shows, and special events such as the Manor Cultural Prize exhibitions.
Collezione Giancarlo e Danna OlgiatiCollection donated in 2012
An independent exhibition space dedicated to the avant-garde art collection donated by Giancarlo and Danna Olgiati, featuring over 200 works from the 20th and 21st centuries, highlighting artistic innovation and experimentation.
Contact
Phone: 058 866 42 40
