Pinacoteca comunale Casa Rusca

Pinacoteca comunale Casa Rusca is Locarno's municipal art gallery, set in Ticino, in southern Switzerland. It occupies an 18th-century town house in the old quarter, a few minutes on foot from Piazza Grande. After a careful restoration in the 1980s the building became a museum, and since 1987 it has hosted temporary exhibitions by Swiss and international artists.

What is Casa Rusca?

The house is a historic residence that now serves as the city's main venue for visiting art shows. It is also known as Museo Casa Rusca. It took over from the earlier municipal museum of contemporary art, which had been based in the Visconti castle.

The rooms are plain and well lit, so attention stays on the paintings, sculptures and posters on display rather than on the interior.

How does Hans Arp fit in?

The city's collection began with a gift in 1965. Hans (Jean) Arp and his wife Marguerite Hagenbach gave Locarno six sculptures and twenty reliefs by the artist, plus works by European friends from their circle. The couple were made honorary citizens in return, and the donation laid the groundwork for the gallery.

Municipal holdings also include pieces by Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Hans Richter, Varlin and Filippo Franzoni. The permanent Arp display is now shown at the nearby Museo Casorella, which has presented the city collections since 2019, while Casa Rusca concentrates on its changing exhibition programme.

What will you see?

The programme is built on temporary shows. Between exhibitions the building can be closed to the public, so check the current calendar before you go. In spring 2026 the museum reopened with a show devoted to Daniele Buzzi (1890-1974), covering paintings and posters by the Ticino artist.

A visit usually takes one to two hours. It combines easily with the city's two other museums, Casorella and Castello Visconti, which are covered by a joint ticket.

How do you get there?

Locarno sits on Lake Maggiore. From the railway station it is a walk of about fifteen minutes to the old town. Trains connect Locarno with Bellinzona, and from there with Lugano and Zurich. If you arrive by car, leave it in one of the car parks near Piazza Grande and continue on foot, as the centre has narrow lanes and restricted-traffic zones.

When is the best time to visit?

Exhibitions run all year, but the museum pairs best with a lakeside stroll between May and September. In August the Locarno Film Festival fills the old town with crowds. Autumn and winter are quieter, and a rainy day is a good reason to step into a gallery.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the permanent Arp collection at Casa Rusca?

The Arp works belong to the city, but the permanent display is at Museo Casorella. Casa Rusca focuses mainly on temporary exhibitions.

When did the museum open?

The building dates from the 18th century. After restoration in the 1980s it became a gallery, and temporary exhibitions have been held there since 1987.

How long should I plan for?

One to two hours is usually enough, depending on the current show.

Is the museum open all year?

Yes, but each exhibition has set dates and the building can close between shows. Check the programme on the museum's website before travelling.