When does the exhibition "Sentiment and observation" open at the LAC in Lugano?

The exhibition will open on Friday 18 April 2025 and will be open until Sunday 26 July 2026.

What is the historical period and central theme explored by the exhibition 'Feeling and Observation'?

The exhibition explores the crucial period from the founding of the Swiss Federal State in 1848 until the end of the Second World War. The central theme is the ambivalence of Ticino's identity, a bridge between deep Italian culture and political membership in the Swiss Confederation, reflecting the duality experienced by border workers.

Who curated the 'Sentiment and Observation' exhibition and which artists or foundations are mentioned?

The exhibition 'Sentiment and observation' is curated by Tobia Bezzola. Among the significant contributions, the Richard and Uli Seewald Foundation stands out, whose donation enriches the permanent collection of THE farmhouse. The image work of the exhibition is' Schildkröte mit Kerbel '(1923) by the German artist Richard Seewald.

What is the cost of the ticket and what are the opening hours of the exhibition 'Sentiment and Observation'?

The entrance fee for the 'Feeling and Observation' exhibition is CHF 20. The exhibition is open every day, except on Mondays, with opening hours from 11:00. It is advisable to check the specific times on the official LAC website, especially around holidays.

The Soul of Ticino on Display: Understand Where You Work (cross-border guide)

Di Marco Ferrari · Published on 20 September 2026

Interior of the MASI museum at the LAC in Lugano with visitors admiring an art piece related to Ticino.

At the LAC in Lugano, the 'Sentiment and Observation' exhibition reveals Ticino's identity between Italy and Switzerland. A unique opportunity for cross-border workers.

Context

TL;DR

Exhibition explores Ticino's cultural identity from 1848 to WWII
Art reflects Ticino's dual Italian-Swiss identity
Exhibition open from April 18, 2025, to July 26, 2026
Cross-border workers contribute to Ticino's cultural landscape

Key facts

Title: Sentiment and Observation
Location: LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), Lugano
Dates: April 18, 2025, to July 26, 2026
Curator: Tobia Bezzola
Key Period: 1848 to the end of World War II
Price: 20 CHF
Cover Image: Schildkröte mit Kerbel (1923) by Richard Seewald
Source: Ticinonline, 18.02.2026

Every day, thousands of cross-border workers ('frontalieri') cross the border posts of Brogeda, Gaggiolo, or Ponte Tresa. The routine is marked by work, traffic, and the franc-euro exchange rate. But how many of us truly know the history and soul of the Canton that hosts us? An unmissable opportunity to deepen this connection comes directly from the cultural heart of Lugano, the LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura). The Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI) presents a new, impressive exhibition titled "Sentiment and Observation", which will be open from April 18, 2025, to July 26, 2026. This is not just an art exhibition, but a true journey into Ticino's identity, an exploration of how this border region has evolved culturally and artistically.

…

Operational details

Going into detail, "Sentiment and Observation" offers a clear vision of how Italian and Germanic artistic currents met and clashed right here in Ticino. The selection of works, enriched by important loans, allows for tracing a path that goes beyond simple chronology. One can observe how the landscape, society, and political tensions influenced the artists. The MASI's permanent collection, which includes prestigious donations like that of the Richard and Uli Seewald Foundation, is the backbone of this narrative. An example is the exhibition's cover image, 'Schildkröte mit Kerbel' (1923) by Richard Seewald, a German artist who found a second home in Ticino.

What does this mean for a cross-border worker?

Visiting this exhibition means equipping oneself with a new key to understanding the territory. Understanding the cultural roots of the place where you work is not a minor detail, but an element that enriches the daily experience. The exhibition shows how Ticino has always been a crossroads, a place of meeting and synthesis. The same role that, in a sense, the cross-border worker plays today: a figure connecting two economic and cultural systems. Understanding this history helps one feel less like a guest and more like an integral part of a complex and fascinating reality.

📊 Event Details:

Title: Sentiment and Observation
Location: LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), Lugano
Dates: From Friday, April 18, 2025, to Sunday, July 26, 2026
Hours: Every day except Monday, from 11:00 AM
Price: 20 CHF

Key points

A visit to "Sentiment and Observation" is more than just a cultural weekend trip. It is an investment in your understanding of the professional and social context. Bringing your family, strolling along the Lugano lakefront, and then immersing yourself in the art at MASI can transform the perception of Ticino from a mere workplace to a land rich in history and meaning. It's a way to feel more at home, even if you cross the border every evening to return to your own.

Practical Tips

💡 Plan your visit: check the official LAC website for opening hours, especially on public holidays. The 20 CHF entrance fee is an affordable price for a cultural experience of this caliber. 💡 Dig deeper: The exhibition offers the opportunity to discover artists who have shaped the visual identity of the region. Take note of the names that strike you and research their stories.

Understanding the cultural value of Ticino is fundamental. Likewise, it is crucial to fully understand the economic value of your work in this canton. After nourishing your mind with art, take a moment to clarify your finances. With continuous fiscal changes, knowing exactly what you are owed at the end of the month is essential. Use our net salary calculator to get a precise and up-to-date view of your payslip.

Source: Ticinonline, 18.02.2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the exhibition "Sentiment and observation" open at the LAC in Lugano?: The exhibition will open on Friday 18 April 2025 and will be open until Sunday 26 July 2026.
What is the historical period and central theme explored by the exhibition 'Feeling and Observation'?: The exhibition explores the crucial period from the founding of the Swiss Federal State in 1848 until the end of the Second World War. The central theme is the ambivalence of Ticino's identity, a bridge between deep Italian culture and political membership in the Swiss Confederation, reflecting the duality experienced by border workers.
Who curated the 'Sentiment and Observation' exhibition and which artists or foundations are mentioned?: The exhibition 'Sentiment and observation' is curated by Tobia Bezzola. Among the significant contributions, the Richard and Uli Seewald Foundation stands out, whose donation enriches the permanent collection of THE farmhouse. The image work of the exhibition is' Schildkröte mit Kerbel '(1923) by the German artist Richard Seewald.
What is the cost of the ticket and what are the opening hours of the exhibition 'Sentiment and Observation'?: The entrance fee for the 'Feeling and Observation' exhibition is CHF 20. The exhibition is open every day, except on Mondays, with opening hours from 11:00. It is advisable to check the specific times on the official LAC website, especially around holidays.