MASI Lugano, the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana, boasts a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions that span the history of art, from the great masters of the twentieth century to the contemporary period. Drawing on extensive research, the museum gives a platform to lesser-known artists hailing from north and south of the Alps and hosts important retrospectives dedicated to leading figures in art history. The exhibition programme embraces different artistic genres and media, from painting to sculpture to video art. In recent years it has paid special attention to photography, both historical and contemporary.

 

The museum's collection boasts more than 14,000 works and covers a sweeping timeline from the late fifteenth century to the present day. It collects pieces connected to Switzerland and the exhibitions it holds and is constantly expanding, thanks to new acquisitions and the generosity of private donors.  The works in the collection are presented on rotation, in ever-new displays, and are cared for with meticulous conservation work, made possible by our in-house conservation studio.

 

We also offer a host of mediation activities designed to make the museum accessible to all, as well as a packed events programme.