Art and culture
In every corner of Lugano, art becomes a captivating experience, enriching everyday life with a touch of inspiration. Discover discounts and student conventions to experience art and culture in Lugano!
Lugano's cultural centres
LAC - Lugano Arte e Cultura
On the picturesque backdrop of Lake Lugano, LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) offers incisive exhibitions, cultural events, concerts and unforgettable theater and dance performances.
Its aim is clear: to capture the hearts of art and music lovers with its eclectic artistic proposal.
FOCE
The beating heart of the arts and culture in Lugano, FOCE is home of important theater performances in the Foce Theater, unforgettable concerts in the Foce Studio and a rich source of knowledge in the Agorateca biblio-mediatheque.
A popular arts center for many years, immersed in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Other places
Museums
In the Lugano region, art is an exciting journey through fascinating museums and vibrant cultural spaces, where each exhibition tells unforgettable stories and offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich heritage.
Art galleries
The region is embellished with a variety of art spaces, inviting you to explore sculptures, paintings, installations and other works of art from the talents of national and international artists.
Cultural heritage
In the region, religious buildings, ancient residences and contemporary structures designed by internationally renowned architects stand as historical witnesses, telling the story of architectural sites of the highest value.
Street art
If you have a spirit of observation, walking through the streets of Lugano you will certainly notice the street art works in the city. Don’t miss the open-air route that transforms urban spaces into an open-air gallery.
My Lugano
With over 400 partners, MyLugano offers discounts and promotions in shops, restaurants, museums, training courses, cultural and leisure events and at many other facilities.
To join the MyLugano programm and benefit immediately from discounts and promotions and accumulate LVGA Points (only for MyLugano Card holders) there are two possibilities:
- Download MyLugano app available for Android and iOS. Within the app, you can create a digital version of your card or purchase a new one.
- Apply for an analogue card at one of the three Puntocittà points or at the Foce counter.
Conventions for students
If you are a university student, check whether your university organizes guided tours or offers subsidized subscriptions to theaters, exhibitions, concerts or any other cultural event.
SUPSI, for example, promotes courses that aim to improve psychophysical well-being through artistic expression. Check the student portal under ‘courses and extracurricular activities’.
USI, on the other hand, offers a 50% discount at the Teatro Sociale Bellinzona.
FUS, in collaboration with Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC), brings its students into contact with initiatives, performances and artists in the world of dance and music.
Find out more about programs and activities on your university’s dedicated page.
Discover the cultural initiatives organized by your university!
USI Voices
If singing is your passion, then you cannot miss the opportunity to join the USI choir. No matter your level, the important thing is to have fun. Sign up for free!
USI Cultural Activities
USI organizes around 120 public events each year, covering a wide range of topics related to education, research and the dissemination of knowledge. Take part and discover international talents ready to share their experiences with you!
FUS - LAC Lugano Dance Project
The collaborative project between Franklin University Switzerland, the cultural centre Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) and Compagnia Finzi Pasca offers a dynamic platform where students, professors and dance artists can interact in diverse ways. This synergy allows them to explore the benefits of well-being and conceptual creativity together. It is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the art of movement, discovering its expressive and transformative potential.
ESN Lugano
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is Europe’s largest student association, committed to providing opportunities for personal growth following the fundamental principle of “Students Helping Students“.
ESN’s goal is to create favorable conditions for both current and future exchange students by promoting an enriching exchange experience.
The association organizes various types of events, such as excursions, trips, beer-pong, aperitifs, karaoke and much more, with the aim of having all students integrated into the social life of Lugano and sharing the culture!
Discover the local tradition and take part to the events!
Lugano offers a wide range of cultural events involving residents and tourists alike.
Successful recurring events include LongLake, Blues to Bop, Estival Jazz, Easter in the City, Festa d’Autunno and Lugano Città del Natale.
In addition to these, the city offers exhibitions, concerts, dance and theater performances, conferences, presentations, fairs and much more, held in various facilities such as LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, FOCE, Palazzo dei Congressi and the Exhibition Centre.
To explore the complete offer of events in Lugano throughout the year, visit Lugano Eventi website.
My experience
“Immersa nei suoi paesaggi panoramici, Lugano ha una vivace comunità internazionale, con la sua università che funge da hub per connessioni multiculturali. In tale atmosfera le amicizie tra accademici prosperano, diventando connessioni inestimabili che spesso fungono da pietra angolare negli sforzi professionali anche molto tempo dopo la laurea.”
Jelena Milosevic
PhD in Informatics, USI
"In Lugano, I had the opportunity to follow a high-level and very stimulating educational path that provides the necessary skills to enter the world of work. In addition to studying, the city offers many opportunities for leisure and relaxation."
Marco De Piaz
SUPSI student - MSE in Engineering and Environnement
"Lugano is more than just a small town: it is and will continue to be a diverse mecca of experiential learning, international exposure, and professional growth.”
Gabriel Bader
FUS Student
“Meeting many students from all around the world. The cultural diversity not only benefits one's personal growth but also strengthens the ability to work within intercultural environments and expands one's perspective. Studying in such an international university and in the beautiful city of Lugano was a great experience.”
Asmen Pablo Koç
USI Student
The answer to your questions
If you are a university student, check whether your university organises guided tours or offers subsidised subscriptions to theatres, exhibitions, concerts or any other cultural event.
SUPSI, for example, promotes courses that aim to improve psychophysical well-being through artistic expression.
USI, on the other hand, offers a 50% discount at the Teatro Sociale Bellinzona.
Find out more about programs and activities on your university’s dedicated page!
Lugano offers a wide range of cultural events involving residents and tourists alike.
Successful recurring events include LongLake, Blues to Bop, Estival Jazz, Easter in the City, Festa d’Autunno and Lugano Città del Natale.
In addition to these, the city offers exhibitions, concerts, dance and theatre performances, conferences, presentations, fairs and much more, held in various facilities such as LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, FOCE, Palazzo dei Congressi and the Exhibition Centre.
To explore the complete offer of events in Lugano throughout the year, visit Lugano Eventi website.
Here you can find all the popular festivals to get in touch with Ticino’s culture!
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is Europe’s largest student association, committed to providing opportunities for personal growth following the fundamental principle of ‘Students Helping Students‘.
ESN’s goal is to create favourable conditions for both current and future exchange students by promoting an enriching exchange experience.
The association organizes various types of events, such as excursions, trips, beer-pong, aperitifs, karaoke and much more, with the aim of having all students integrated into the social life of Lugano and sharing the culture!
