The LOK

The LOK, the second «venue» of the Kunstmuseum, serves as a culture lab for contemporary art. It is part of the Lokremise cultural center in St. Gallen, which was opened in 2010 by the Canton of St. Gallen. The immediate proximity to cinema and dance/theater opens fascinating synergies, while the raw character of the interior space enables process-oriented exhibitions.

The Lokremise St.Gallen (1903–1911) was a pioneering structure in Swiss rail infrastructure. The building, designed by Carl Moser, originally served for the maintenance of the steam locomotives. The building, which forms a unique ensemble together with the bath house (1902) and the water tower (1906) by Robert Maillart, is currently considered an industrial monument of national significance. From 1999 to 2004, the Lokremise was used by the Galerie Hauser & Wirth as an exhibition space for the eponymous collection, and became well known in the national and international art scene. In 2008, the voters in St. Gallen approved the purchase of the Lokremise and its use as a cultural center.

Since 2010, the Kunstmuseum St.Gallen has operated the LOK, which was opened with the spectacular exhibition, John M Armelder leuchtet ein. In addition, the Lokremise’s bath house, which accommodates office and storage spaces, as well as an apartment for artists, was gently renovated. The exterior of the water tower by the concrete pioneer Robert Maillart from 1906, which contains a spatial installation by the Swiss artist Christoph Büchel, was renovated.

Further information about our exhibitions at the LOK can be found here.

Further information about the cultural center Lokremise St. Gallen can be found at: www.lokremise.ch

Information about our opening hours, admission and directions to the LOK can be found here.