There are quite a few things to see and do while in Luxembourg, so we’ve split it up into 3 parts – starting with my solo excursion in Luxembourg City. Sometimes the best sightseeing are the one you discover on your own, while randomly taking buses and being too proud to admit, “I’m lost.” Hey… my pride is your gain.
Philharmonie Luxembourg
Opened in 2005, this concert hall resembles an air conditioner filter atop an angled platform. Designed by Christian de Portzamparc, the outside façade house 823 steel columns arranged in rows of 3 or 4, inside sits a foyer encircling the Grand Auditorium and an organ by Karl Shuke that offers both classic and symphonic sounds. And since November 2005, it has rejoined as a member of ECHO, an organization honoring the largest concert halls of Europe.
With a maximum occupancy of 1,500 of the 3 rooms – Grand Auditorium, Salle de Music de Chambre and Espace Découverte – the Philharmonie plays host to over 400 performances a year as well being the permanent residence of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra.
MUDAM (Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean)
A little ways behind the Philharmonie sits MUDAM, a modern art museum built to take the financial capital and add a bit of culture to its life. Named to commerate the 25 year reign of H.R.H. the Grand-Duc Jean, Grand-Duc of Luxembourg, upon entry sits a permanent relief of Le Grand-Duc Jean et La Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte by Stephan Balkenhol.
Upon further inspection you’ll come upon 3 floors of visual works by artist from around the world. During my visit 3D pieces by Folkert de Jong hung from the ceilings, l’Image Papillonwas on view and an interactive ink fountain by Su-Mei Tse. Equipped with a gift shop, park and café, MUDAM, internally and externally, is a true example of modern art and design.
Musée Dräi Eechelen
And further behind MUDAM sits Musée Dräi Eechelen – a historical museum living in the restored Fort Thüngen. Inside houses a permanent exhibition showcasing the country’s history from The Middle Ages to the construction of the Adolf Bridge in 1903. No photography is allowed and there are constant patrolling of security, so don’t try your luck.
It’s not as interactive as most would like, but over 600 objects and original documents more than make up for it. There are underground galleries, not suited for the claustrophobic, the “Luxembourg 4D” documenting the political, economic, social and cultural development through animation, and much more. Be ready to spend lots of time in awe of what relics have been kept or restored to immaculate condition and to discover the unexpected story of Luxembourg.
All photos taken with Ricoh’s PENTAX K-50.