Museum of Cultures, Ethnographic museum in Castagnola, Switzerland.
Description
The Museum of Cultures occupies Villa Malpensata and displays collections of ethnographic works, oriental objects, and historical photographs across several exhibition spaces. The rooms present pieces from different parts of Asia and the Pacific region side by side.
History
The institution was founded in 1989 based on Serge Brignoni's collection of artworks from the Far East, India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. This created a place to make these works publicly accessible.
Culture
The collections reflect how different societies express their traditions through art and craft, offering visitors insight into the values embedded in objects from across the world. Walking through the rooms, you encounter handmade pieces that show the skills and aesthetic choices of people from varied backgrounds.
Practical
The museum is open from Wednesday through Monday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with different areas offering various ways to experience the collection. Some sections like Spazio Tesoro provide free access, giving visitors flexible options.
Did you know?
The museum preserves a digitized collection of hand-painted Japanese photographs from the 1800s, a technique rarely found elsewhere. These images showcase artistic methods that are seldom practiced today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lugano).
Lugano Città–Stazione funicular
961 m
Santa Maria degli Angioli church
448 m
Casinò Lugano
1.1 km
Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
931 m
Castello Cattaneo
834 m
Lugano Arte e Cultura
349 m
Town Hall
874 mLugano degli Angioli funicular
440 m
Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana
334 m
Santa Maria Assunta Parish Church
917 m
Palazzo Albertolli
1 km
Sant' Antonio Abate Church
1 km
MASI Lugano
1 km
Piazza della Riforma
906 m
Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo
741 m
Museum of art Lugano
56 m
MASI: Municipal Museum of Fine Arts
990 m
Hotel Splendide Royal
175 m
Fondazione Gabriele e Anna Braglia
82 m
Angioli's funicular railway
424 m
Palazzo Riva (Via Massimiliano Magatti)
970 m
Biblioteca del Museo delle Culture
8 m
Palazzo Reali
1 km
Ancient medieval convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli
416 m
Posta centrale
1.1 km
Palazzo Riva (Via Francesco Soave)
945 m
Palazzi della Galleria
1 km
Tourist Info Point - Ente Turistico del Luganese Lugano Region
1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes