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Return to Luxembourg
Some Things to See and Do in
Luxembourg
Grand Ducal Palace
The National Museum of History
and Art
The Museum of Agriculture and Viticulture
Cinema Arts
Music
Theatre and Literature
Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace was build as the City Hall between 1572 and 1574, in the
Renaissance style. It was in 1890, after having housed the Prefecture, and then
having been the Seat of Government, that it was made into the Grand Ducal
Palace. It is open to visitors in the summer.
There are almost 80 other châteaux's and castles throughout the country are
evidence of Luxembourg's tumultuous past.
The National Museum of History and Art
History also has its place in Luxembourg, with the National Museum of History
and Art and the Museum of History of the City of Luxembourg, which is housed in
the former refuge of the Abbey of Orval. As for Social History, it is explained
in the National Museum of Migration, which traces the different migratory flows
which Luxembourg has experienced. The 18th and 19th centuries saw major
migrations of Luxembourg people to Brazil and the United States. On the other
hand, the growth of the steel industry in the 19th century encouraged the
immigration of workers from neighboring countries and the Mediterranean region.
Today, a third of the population of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is from
abroad.
The works of Luxembourg's painters from the 18th to the 20th century can be
admired at the Visual Arts Section of the National Museum of History and Art.
The museum also houses sculptures, and a collection of contemporary art which is
equally as fine. Numerous galleries in the capital and throughout the country
show the works of both Luxembourg and foreign artists. Don't forget the artistic
photo collection «The Family of Man+ by Edward Steichen settled at Clervaux
castle.
The Museum of Agriculture and Viticulture
The prosperity of Luxembourg has always been founded upon its agriculture and
its crafts. The 18th century marked a turning point for Luxembourg agriculture
and viticulture. These two domains then experienced a growth without precedent
and there followed a development of quality products which now carry the label "Marque
Nationale". Many museums are open to visitors, and the Five Mills itinerary will
delight tourists.
Music
Music has for a long time occupied a
special position in the hearts of the Luxembourg people. The Philharmonic
Orchestra of Luxembourg, the European Soloists, and other groups of musicians,
have made Luxembourg's fine reputation abroad. Conservatories, theatres,
castles, and churches provide enchanting settings for the presentation of
musical events.
Theatre and Literature
Luxembourg theatre offers a large spectrum of works in Luxembourgish, French
or German, and even English or Dutch, performed by groups, either from
Luxembourg or abroad, of great international renown.
The literary life of Luxembourg is extremely rich. Indeed, the three
languages spoken in the country (French, German, and Luxembourgish) live
intimately together in this art. This is why one speaks of Luxembourg
literatures. In the Luxembourg language, literature only developed from the 19th
century. For many years Luxembourg was a land of welcome for foreign writers
like Victor Hugo, Goethe, Michelot, Racine and many others.
The National Centre for Literature (NCL), housed in the former Servais house
in Mersch, is a State cultural institution, dependant upon the Ministry of
Culture, Higher Education and Research. The NCL is a centre for documentation
and research into Luxembourg literature from 1815 until the present day, as well
as a centre for socio-cultural events around the theme of books and reading. Its
library and its archives open to the general public contain some 25,000 books
and a great many literary collections (manuscripts, letters, photographs, etc.)
originating from Luxembourg writers, such as Batty Weber, Nik Welter, Anise
Koltz and others. In its exhibition rooms on the ground floor, the NCL houses
exhibitions on topical literary matters and on the history of literature proper.
Open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17.00.
Guided tours on request.
Tel: 32 69 55 - 1, Fax: 32 70 90, Internet:
www.literaturarchiv.lu
Cinema Arts
Many talented film-makers have seen their work rewarded here and there is a
major animation studio is to be found close to the capital. The Municipal Film
Library of Luxembourg, founded in 1977, has become one of the gems of the film
world. Almost 10 000 titles of the seventh art are preserved there. Special
viewings, in the open air and live are offered to movie-lovers all the year
round.
If you have anything you believe I should add to
this section, please let me know. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Date this page was last edited: Tuesday, 18 November 2008 19:11:48
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