LAC Lugano Arte E Cultura

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura is the large cultural centre on the lakefront of Lugano, and it has become the city's main address for art, music and theatre since its opening in 2015. The building, designed by the Ticino architect Ivano Gianola, stands on Piazza Bernardino Luini beside the lake, and its glass and stone volume contrasts with the old church of Santa Maria degli Angioli next to it. The project was ambitious for a city of Lugano's size, and it gave the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland a venue that can host international programmes.

The centre combines several functions under one roof. The main performance space is a hall of nearly a thousand seats, used for concerts, opera and theatre, with acoustics designed for symphonic music. It is the home of the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana, the regional orchestra, and of the concert series LuganoMusica, which brings in orchestras, soloists and chamber ensembles from around the world. The hall is also used by the theatre company Compagnia Finzi Pasca, a Ticino group known internationally for its poetic, circus-influenced productions, and by visiting dance and theatre companies. A smaller hall allows more intimate performances.

The visual arts are represented by the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana, known as MASI, which has its main exhibition spaces in the LAC and a second site in the old town. The museum shows works from its own collection, which covers Swiss and international art from the nineteenth century to the present, as well as temporary exhibitions that often include loans from other museums and private collectors. The Giancarlo and Danna Olgiati Collection, a private collection of modern and contemporary art, is shown in a separate space, with its own opening hours. The galleries are laid out over several levels, and their large windows and high ceilings give a bright, open feeling.

Facilities include a ticket office, a shop and a bistro called Luini 6, which serves lunch and has a terrace with views over the lake and the church, and which stays open in the evening on performance nights. The foyer is a social space where people gather before and after shows, and it hosts talks, workshops and family activities, so the building feels busy through the day, not only in the evenings. The location, next to the lakeside promenade and a few minutes from Piazza della Riforma and the old town, makes it easy to include in a general visit to Lugano.

Because the programme changes every week, it is best to check the LAC website for concerts, exhibitions and ticket prices before you travel, and to book popular events in advance. Museum opening days and hours also vary, and some areas are closed on Mondays. The centre suits art lovers, music fans, families and architecture enthusiasts, and it is a good choice when the weather is poor. Allow two hours for the museum, and plan an evening visit if you want to hear a concert.