The Museum of Cultures transforms itself ... and moves !

Ten years after its relaunch, and after having designed and set up more than eighty exhibitions and edited more than sixty volumes, the Museum of Cultures reinvents itself, while preserving the unique characteristics that led to its success.

The public is kindly reminded that the exhibition part of the Museum is closed awaiting the transfer, while the Library, the Documentation Centre and the Laboratory of Conservation and Museum Technique remain open, by appointment only. 

Meanwhile, the Museum maintains its vocation of being a cultural and research centre oriented towards the study, preservation and divulgation of the anthropology of art .

It continues to work as an institution that operates in the service of the region, while also offering itself as an ambassador of excellence at the international level, preserving and creating synergies and partnerships with prominent allies.

Keeps conceiving and implementing unique, original and successful exhibitions, which have been presented so far in 35 museums of 5 countries .

With these premises in mind, and facilitated by a growing permanent collection , the Museum of Cultures has embarked on a new phase characterized by sustainable development placed in a context of a progressively increasing activity, aimed at offering a high standing program combined with sophisticated services .

To this effect it is expected that by the end of 2016 a -privat law and public utility- Foundation will be established and entrusted for the management of the Museum of Cultures by the municipality of Lugano. This transformation will facilitate an organic interaction between public and private and develop an innovative model of mixed organization (institution /enterprise ) apt to support the consolidation of the Museum and its activities .

The Museum, with all its offerings, will soon move along the lake to Villa Malpensata (Riva Caccia 5) – the unforgettable setting of great art exhibitions in Lugano. The location will offer wider exhibition spaces and more central and easy access to the cultural organization. 

The new headquarters will settle in the main building, where exhibitions and seminars will be held. Moreover, the building will also host the Laboratory of Conservation and Museum Technique, a bookshop and a cafeteria with adjoining garden. On the other hand, two secondary buildings sidewards will house the offices, the Library and the Center for Research and Documentation .

During this transitional period and until further notice, the events, scientific activities and seminars offered by the Museum of Cultures will continue to take place at the Heleneum.

Events and news will be promptly published on this website and on our social networks.