Kunstmuseum Luzern

Profile

The Museum of Art draws its self-image both from its acknowledged, historically developed position as the leading institution of visual art in Central Switzerland , and from its location in the internationally respected architecture of Jean Nouvel's new Culture and Congress Centre Lucerne (KKL). From this derive not only the responsibilities assumed by the institution, but also the standard of quality required for its work and its content.
As a forum for visual art, the Museum of Art assumes itself many and diverse responsibilities:

(1) It nurtures and extends the existing Collection, which represents what might be called one of the cultural archives of the region of Central Switzerland . The concept behind the collection seeks both to deepen existing core areas and to document artistic creativity in Central Switzerland and the Museum's own exhibition activity.

(2) The goal of the Museum's exhibition activity is to reveal important attitudes and examples of contemporary art in a committed and consistent way. But an interplay between regional and national or international artistic activity is deliberately encouraged, involving already established positions. Within the exhibition programme, the collection is given as enduring a presence as possible, in changing forms, and can thus act as a complement, a contrast or a historical backdrop to the other manifestations. The Museum of Art also assumes the function of a place of contemplation, regeneration and delight.

(3) Inseparably linked to the Museum's exhibition activity are offers which stimulate discourse about contemporary art and contribute to its dissemination: catalogues, printed material and other forms of diffusion through the media, as well as guided tours and education programmes for various target audiences, but also interdisciplinary events, organised in collaboration with other institutions.

The Museum of Art is aware of its important role in the cultural life of the region and the responsibility that this involves. Through its continuous activity it makes a contribution to cultural identity, takes a position on current issues and links up with other institutions and circles including the KKL Lucerne , Lucerne Festival and Lucerne Symphony Orchestra to make use of the synergies in the building. At the same time the Museum of Art contributes to the national and international aura of the region.