Lucerne Museums and Art Galleries

(Lucerne, Switzerland)

Those wishing to explore the main cultural attractions within Lucerne should first consider purchasing the city's popular 'Museum Pass', since you will only have to visit just three of the main museums to recoup your actual outlay. The Lucerne Museum Pass is valid for a whole month, meaning that you will have plenty of time to visit the various attractions and art galleries.

These include the Lucerne Art Museum (Kunst und Kongresshaus Luzern), the Rosengart Collection (Sammlung Rosengarten) and also the Picasso Museum. Here you will find yourself literally facing a substantial collection of almost 200 photographs depicting Picasso and also his family in some very personal scenes, documenting many different aspects of his life.

Lucerne Art Museum (Kunst und Kongresshaus Luzern - KKL)

Address: Europaplatz 1, Lucerne, CH-6002, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 041 226 7800
Often simply referred to as the 'KKL', the Lucerne Art Museum is housed within an especially spectacular structure, which comprises a number of concert halls and galleries. Inside you can enjoy a large collection of mainly Swiss art works, which date from the Renaissance period, right up to today. Some of the most notable of the Swiss artists exhibited here include Alexandre Calame, Ferdinand Hodler and also Robert Zünd, whose paintings date from the 19th century. Many people find that the contemporary paintings and sculptures from the 1970s onwards are the most impressive and include a number of international pieces.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, Wednesday - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge

Swiss Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus)

Address: Lidostrasse 5, Lucerne, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 0848 852 020
Known locally as the Verkehrshaus, the many varied exhibits at Lucerne's Swiss Transport Museum appeal to all ages. Children and adults alike will find the restored steam locomotives and huge aircraft especially interesting, while others will enjoy the vintage cars, boats, historical motorcycles and exhibits relating to space travel. The detailed miniature railway is always running outside and features carriages just large enough to transport passengers around the grounds. Other highlights include a large IMAX theatre, a planetarium with regular sky shows, and a tethered balloon (HiFlyer), which rises to around 120 metres / 394 feet and offers excellent views.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 09:00 to 18:00; November to March - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and students

Picasso Museum

Address: Furrengasse 21, Lucerne, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 041 410 3533
A true celebration of the works of Pablo Picasso is what visitors to Lucerne can expect as they tour this museum. All of the photographs were taken by David Douglas Duncan over the last 17 years of Picasso's life. The collection of photographs is further enhanced by a number of late Picasso paintings, which were donated to this museum by both Siegfried and Angela Rosengart.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 10:00 to 18:00; November to March - 11:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and students

Rosengart Collection (Sammlung Rosengarten)

Address: Pilatusstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 041 220 1660
Any art lover will kick himself if they miss the opportunity to visit the Rosengart Collection, so do be sure to leave enough time. This exceptional Lucerne gallery houses an extensive collection of art works, being located within a purpose-built building. Expect to be blown away by more than 50 creations by Pablo Picasso, some 125 pieces by Paul Klee, and many additional works of art by acclaimed artists such as Cézanne and Miró, amongst many others.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 10:00 to 18:00; November to March - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and students

Richard Wagner Museum

Address: Wagnerweg 27, Tribschen, Lucerne, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 041 360 2370
The rather interesting Richard Wagner Museum is located within the Tribschen suburb of Lucerne and lies on the southerly coast of the lake. Dedicated to the life and work of acclaimed German composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner, this attraction contains a variety of historic musical instructions and memorabilia related to Wagner himself. After you have enjoyed the exhibits, take a walk outside and marvel at the views across Lake Lucerne and the breathtaking backdrop provided by the Swiss Alps.
Open hours: late March to November, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, concessions available