Welcome to the Alpineum, a unique museum and Alpine diorama located in Lucerne, Switzerland, that brings the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps right before your eyes. In 1885, Ernst Hodel senior bought the former Lion-Monument-Museum building to create a permanent home for his cherished, large-scale landscape paintings. Partnering with his son, Ernst Hodel junior, he crafted a series of impressive depictions of the mountains.
When you visit this historic space, which officially opened in May 1901, you will experience a dramatic diorama spanning more than five hundred square meters of painted surfaces. These massive artworks offer you a beautiful and remarkable insight into the high-altitude world of Switzerland. Though Ernst Hodel the younger passed away in 1955, his family's artistic legacy lives on as the museum continues to be operated today by his descendants.
If you are traveling through Lucerne and want to immerse yourself in grand historic artistry that celebrates the surrounding peak landscape, step inside to admire these expansive, detailed mountain scenes up close.
What to see at Alpineum
- Historic museum and Alpine diorama established in Lucerne, Switzerland
- Founded by Ernst Hodel senior in the former Lion-Monument-Museum building
- Features over 500 square meters of large-scale Alpine landscape paintings
- Created with Ernst Hodel junior and continuously run by their descendants since 1901
Visiting tips
Take time to closely examine the 500-plus square meters of detailed paintings created by the Hodel family.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Alpineum is easy to reach on Lucerne’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre and Villa Senar. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lucerne travel guide.
See the full Lucerne travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.