Museums in Ticino

Permanent exhibitions of: model trains, model train systems of all gauges driven by solar energy, old tin toy trains (tin plate).

History comes alive.

The remains of this settlement can be seen in this unique Archaeological Park and help us understand in minute detail the daily life of the rich and poor in a medieval rural community.

The fortifications of Bellinzona are an extraordinary example of a late-medieval defensive structure located at a key strategic point on the Alpine pass. The castles of Bellinzona are among the most marvelous examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps.

First branch on foreign soil of the "Musée en Herbe", Paris, which, for the last 25 years, has been organising didactic exhibitions on art and ethics for children.

Matasci Vini, i.e. Matasci Wines, is a family-run business. Since 1921 it has been located in Tenero, a small town tucked away at the foot of the hills embracing the right bank of the River Ticino, overlooking Lake Maggiore.

Highlights in the Cantonal Painting Gallery are works of art from the 17th to the 20th century. The artists are from the areas, which were united in the Canton of Ticino in the year 1803, or from areas closely connected with this region.

Generally, museums are in big cities, or at least in highly visited villages, but hardly are they ever on a 2,100-meter-high mountain pass.

The “pyramid-shaped mountain” is full of fossilised fish and marine reptiles – a treasure trove 240 million years old. What was once a sea basin later gave way to Monte San Giorgio, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modernised Fossil Museum in Meride exhibits a selection of fossilised animals and plants.

Whoever takes a peek over the Casa Rusca facade can’t help but notice certain features that bear witness to its feudal interior: The elegant little balcony with chiseled railing for example, or the high windows on the upper floor. But whoever crosses the threshold of this abode is nevertheless surprised by the inner world. And of course the courtyard with its loggias and a garden full of sculptures exude a typical and charming southern flair.

The old centre of the village of Brè is studded with artistic details and sculptures. Discover works by local artists, such as Wilhelm Schmid or Pasquale Gilardi “Leièn”.

Since September 2015, LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) has been an impressive platform for contemporary creativity from southern Switzerland. The building by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola offers visitors art across 2500 square metres and a modern theatre and concert hall with space for 1000 guests.