KKL Luzern: moderne Architektur, Kultur- und Kongresszentrum, Besuch von Gruppen, Kunstbegeisterten

Culture and Convention Center Lucerne

6 Highlights of the KKL

  • The Lucerne Culture and Convention Center surprises with architecture that directly incorporates the lake.
  • You can experience the interplay of light and water on the terrace and inside.
  • The acoustics of the concert hall in the KKL make it one of the best concert halls in the world.
  • Height-adjustable sound reflectors and special echo chambers in the concert hall ensure its exceptional acoustics.
  • On the 4th floor you will find an art museum with a small café and a great view of the lake.
  • The coffee bar Le Piaf conveys a French attitude to life.
Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernBesichtigung innen (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)
Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernTerrasse aussen (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)

What awaits you at the KKL

You can enjoy a variety of experiences at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Center. These include tours, concerts, operas, talks, folk music, jazz, film music, comedy and much more. The center offers a variety of events from different genres such as classical, pop, rock and world music. In addition, the KKL Luzern hosts charity concerts, New Year's Eve and New Year's concerts and other cultural events.

Acoustics in the KKL concert hall

The concert hall in the Culture and Convention Center Lucerne is world-famous. Its perfect dimensions and the interplay of echo chambers and height-adjustable sound reflectors enable optimal acoustics.

It was designed by the New York acoustician Russel Johnson. The correct ratio of the room dimensions 1:1:2 of height, width and length provides good acoustics. In addition, 24,000 square plaster reliefs reflect sound in all directions. The echo chambers considerably increase the volume of the hall and allow the sound to vary.

Another sound reflector is installed above the stage: the canopy. It allows the musicians to hear their music without sound delay.

Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernKonzertsaal Besichtigung (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)
Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernKonzertsaal (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)

The architecture in the KKL by Jean Nouvel

The architecture in the KKL shows a wonderful harmony between glass, steel and water. The façade of the KKL is largely glazed, which not only creates a bright and inviting atmosphere inside, but also provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The entire building blends harmoniously into its surroundings on Lake Lucerne.

The exterior is brought into the building by means of two water channels. This creates three independent building sections:

  • Wing A: Auditorium, Deuxième, Lucerne Art Museum, smaller meeting rooms, the Lucide and Le Piaf restaurants
  • Wing B: Lucerne Hall (2044 people)
  • Wing C: Concert hall (1898 people)

A roof extending over the lake connects the building with the lake. The light and the waves of the lake are reflected by the metal plates of the soffit. The views and impressions of the building thus change depending on the incidence of light and the viewing angle. The KKL Luzern has now become a landmark of the city of Lucerne.

Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernTerrasse vor dem KKL (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)
Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernDas KKL von aussen (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)

Art museum in the KKL

On the fourth floor of the building there is a 2000 m² art museum. As changing exhibitions are shown here, it is well worth a repeat visit. There is a small café in the art museum, which can also be hired for private events. The generously proportioned windows offer a beautiful view of Lake Lucerne.

Tours of the KKL

Tours of the KKL focus either on technology and maintenance or the music performed here. The art museum is also included in certain tours. Extensive and modern technical equipment is available for the individual event halls. For planned events, the KKL takes care of the detailed planning in the various rooms.

The Lucerne Culture and Convention Center is the main venue for the Lucerne Festival and the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra. In addition, renowned artists from Switzerland and abroad are regular guests at the KKL. The guided tours are full of anecdotes and stories about the musicians. At the same time, visitors get an insight into the backstage of the KKL.

On an audio tour, you walk through the KKL independently with your smartphone. You will receive valuable information at ten stations spread throughout the building.

Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernTreppen (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)
Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernWasserkanal (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)

Restaurants and bars in the KKL

Next to the you will find:

name specialty occasions
Lucide-Restaurant 16 GaultMillau points; 1 Michelin star; lake view business lunch, festive dinner, enjoyable evening with friends
Le Piaf - Deli Cafébar French lifestyle open from morning to evening
lake bar lake view aperitifs and bar snacks, drinks
Concert bar Drinks and snacks for the concert breaks
Café in the art museum cakes, salads or soups, beautiful view of the lake from the 4th floor in the art museum

Getting to the KKL

The KKL is located right next to Lucerne railroad station. The bus station and the landing stage are also located here. You can therefore reach the KKL very easily by public transport.

If you are arriving by car, the P2 station car park is located under the KKL. It has direct access, including to the station shopping area. The parking garage has 76 parking spaces, including one for wheelchair users. It is open around the clock.

Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernTerrasse vor dem KKL (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)
Kultur- und Kongresszentrum LuzernWasserkanal im Inneren (Foto: Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern)