The Culture and Convention Centre of Lucerne, designed by the French leading architect Jean Nouvel, is the modern symbol of the city with its far-projecting roof. It replaced the 1933 built Art and Congress Centre house, which was built by Armin Meili. In 1938 the «International Music Festival» took place for the first time, which is still held under the new name «Lucerne Festival» three times a year.

As a three-section theater (theater, opera and ballet) near the Jesuit church, the Lucerne Theatre contributes an important part to the rich culture of the city.

On the peninsula of Tribschen, the Richard Wagner Museum reminds us of the life and works of the famous composer. The country estate of the noble family Am Rhyn is his former home.

Anyone interested in art can visit the exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, or the Rosengart Collection with the works of Picasso, as well as over 200 paintings and drawings of 23 world famous artists of classical modernism. The cultural highlight is undoubtedly the Carnival of Lucerne, which starts every year on «Dirty Thursday» and lasts for a week. Many people of Lucerne describe this period as the «fifth season».