Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne

The Bourbaki Panorama in Luzern is a monumental circular painting completed in 1881, measuring about 112 meters in circumference. It depicts the internment of the French Army under General Bourbaki in Switzerland in 1871, when some 87,000 soldiers crossed the border during the Franco-Prussian War and were disarmed and sheltered by Switzerland. The panorama is significant both as a work of 19th-century immersive art and as a commemoration of Swiss neutrality.

The building has coffee, shops, movies theatre, but is especially well known for the historical panorama on the upper floor. Very popular at the end of the 19th century, it is often described as the ancestor of the movies theatre. Definitely worth the visit. Make sure to read excellent display to understand the overall context.

Fantastic panorama! Great to see that this one is well maintained. Very interesting story to the painting as well. Must see if you are in Luzern.

Visiting the Bourbaki Panorama in Lucerne was a fascinating and unexpectedly moving experience. The moment you enter the circular hall, you’re drawn into an entirely different world. The massive 360-degree painting is incredibly detailed, and the way the scene transitions from painted elements to real objects creates a powerful sense of depth and immersion. I really appreciated how the museum blends art, history, and storytelling in a way that feels both educational and emotionally impactful. What stood out most to me was the combination of the panoramic artwork with the thoughtful background information provided. The story of the internment of the Bourbaki army is told clearly, and the audio guide adds depth without feeling overwhelming. It helped me understand the human side of the event, not just the visual spectacle. The museum also does a good job putting the panorama in a broader historical context, which makes the experience feel meaningful rather than just impressive. The space itself is calm and beautifully designed, allowing you to take your time and really absorb the details. I left feeling like I had learned something truly valuable about European history. It’s a unique cultural experience and absolutely worth a visit while in Lucerne.

Very interesting story and Panorama. Take your time there to learn the story and grasp the so many details in this work of art.

I'm a history girl and I really loved getting some insight into a topic I knew nothing about before. Nice setup and very well made, definitely worth checking out! I was completely alone up in the big panorama, it made the atmosphere feel even heavier!

A super unique experience that has some art and some history. You take a journey up to the first floor, where you watch a short documentary recounting the reason why the panorama was created and how they built it. Upstairs is an immersive experience of the actual panorama. I would allow for about 20 minutes for the entire experience. Get the Lucerne Museum, Swiss Pass that complements nicely with the Picasso Museum in the Swiss transportation museum, unless you want to pay Fr.12 per person. There’s a café at the bottom, but it’s quite expensive, five francs for a water.

Bourbaki Panorama offers a fascinating glimpse into Swiss history through its impressive 360 degree artwork. It’s an interesting cultural stop and can be an optional addition to your Switzerland/Lucern itinerary if you enjoy history and art and have extra time.