Zug wants to become the Swiss Capital of Culture 2030

The City of Zug wants to become the Swiss Capital of Culture 2030, and is officially throwing its hat into the ring. 

The city thereby submitted its declaration of intent at the end of March. Alongside Aarau, Bellinzona, Lugano, Schaffhausen and Thun, Zug is now one of the six cities taking part in the further selection process. 

For Mayor (Stadtpräsident) André Wicki, the application is more than just a symbolic act:
"We not only want to organise an exceptional year of culture, but also provide a long-term impetus for cultural, economic and social development." Zug sees itself as a "globalised small town" with tradition, diversity and charisma, the city writes in a press release. 

Will the city of Zug become Capital of Culture in 2023?           Photo:     Patrick Hürlimann      

From 2026, an innovative programme is to be developed in a four-year process, together with the population, creative artists and institutions. Existing strengths such as the Seefest, the Chriesisturm, the Theatre Casino and the Kunsthaus are to be complemented by new formats and an expansion of cultural infrastructure. 

Zug invites the population to the first participation event on the Stierenmarkt site on Saturday, 10th May. Further opportunities for dialogue will take place at the Zug Library (Bibliothek Zug) on the 14th, 21st and 28th May and the 4th June, and online from the middle of June. The final application must be submitted by the end of 2025 - the decision on the award of the title will be made in June 2026.

The Swiss Capital of Culture initiative was launched in 2013, modelled on the European Capitals of Culture and supported by the federal government. A Swiss city is honoured every three years. The aim is to thereby strengthen cultural participation, diversity and social cohesion.

La Chaux-de-Fonds will be the first Swiss Capital of Culture in 2027. As a pilot project, this will provide valuable insights for subsequent applicants such as Zug - from planning to implementation. 

For more information about the participation event (in German): https://www.stadtzug.ch/khs2030
For more information about the Culture capital: https://kulturhauptstadtschweiz.ch/home