Asilo Ciani

Located in downtown Lugano, the Asilo Ciani boasts a fascinating history and a recent renovation, making it an ideal venue for conferences, banquets, small exhibitions and multiple events.

History: The Asilo Ciani has deep roots in Lugano's history. Built between 1890 and 1892, it originally served as the headquarters for the Istituto Asilo infantile di carità, the first kindergarten in Ticino, founded on the initiative of Filippo Ciani. For nearly a century, it welcomed generations of children, becoming a symbol of the city. In 2004, the building was purchased by the City with the aim of using it as an event facility, inaugurating its new function in 2005. After years of management, the Ciani Kindergarten underwent a conservative restoration between 2020 and 2022, preserving its historical identity and adapting it to modern event needs.

Structure and rooms: The complex consists of:

• 7 rooms, with areas varying between 30 and 60 square meters.
• An imposing 280-square-meter central hall, adjacent to a neoclassical columned patio. A glass and metal pyramidal skylight, renovated while maintaining the original iron structure, crowns the patio, providing striking natural lighting.

Every room has been modernized with advanced lighting, audio/video systems, Wi-Fi connectivity and air conditioning. The ground floor benefits from new sustainable heating and cooling systems.

Outdoor spaces: The entrance is outlined by a driveway surrounded by flower and tree beds. At the back, a private outdoor space provides a tranquil setting under century-old plane trees, ideal for refreshments and coffee breaks.

Services and location: With an enviable location close to the Palace of Congresses, Villa Ciani, Ciani Park and the Castello Square car park, the Ciani Nursery is positioned as a strategic venue for any event. It also features a catering support room with separate access.

Flexible in its offerings, the Asilo Ciani can be rented for individual rooms or in its entirety.

Accessibility Services

This cultural/tourist point of interest took part in the digital data mapping project on accessibility by Pro Infirmis. The project was carried out with the collaboration and support of Ticino Turismo, the four regional tourist organisations and the Department of Education, Culture and Sport.

All information on the accessibility of the partner in question can be found on the following page.