Customs Museum
The Swiss Customs Museum in Cantine di Gandria, beautifully located by Lake Lugano, showcases the diverse duties of customs officers at the Italian border. Visit the latest exhibitions focusing on species protection initiatives, and discover the history of smuggling during World War II. Schools can benefit from guided tours and teaching materials.
Welcome to the Customs Museum in Cantine di Gandria
The Customs Museum is located on the shore of Lake Lugano in a former border guard post. The house is situated in an idyllic location, in the middle of a lush chestnut forest right on the border with Italy. It is the perfect location for a customs museum. The Swiss customs authorities use the museum to showcase the wide range of tasks they perform for our country. These include temporary exhibitions on current topics, making a visit to the customs museum a great experience that can be rounded off with a stop at a Ticino grotto in the immediate vicinity.
Winter break
Dear friends of the Customs Museum
The museum is currently closed for the winter break. We look forward to welcoming you again from Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026.
Your Customs Museum Team
Current at the Customs Museum
Species conservation concerns us all
Opening of the new exhibition ‘Species protection concerns us all’. This season, we are focusing on the preservation of protected animal and plant species that are threatened with extinction. We are showing the important work that Swiss Customs does in combating the illegal import of such animals and plants.
In addition, due to the great public interest, we have extended the photo exhibition ‘Migration’ for another season.
Further information
From border post to museum
The Swiss Customs Museum in Cantine di Gandria provides insight into the history and duties of customs and border guards, both past and present, addressing the challenges of global trade and Europe's open borders.
Current exhibitions at the Customs Museum
The Customs Museum in Cantine di Gandria showcases two exceptional exhibitions: a photography exhibition on migration and a joint exhibition with the Liechtenstein National Museum celebrating the 100th anniversary of the customs treaty. Another exhibition explores the history of smuggling and refugees along the Italian-Swiss border.
Publications & Media
Here you will find news from the Customs Museum and reports from the media.
Organisation
The Swiss Customs Museum is an institution of Swiss Customs and part of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Learn about the museum staff and get contact information.
Visits
Information on location, access, opening hours, and admission fees for the customs museum on Lake Lugano. The museum is primarily accessible by ferry, with free admission. Groups are requested to register in advance.