Museums and cultural centers

Cultural and artistic outings in Luxembourg

Lovers of art and culture should find what they’re looking for in Luxembourg. Luxembourg City’s international dimension and status as European capital give it a significant cultural dimension.

Luxembourg’s museums and other cultural and artistic centers reflect this. Come and visit them to gain a better understanding of Luxembourg culture.
See also creative and artistic activities in Luxembourg

Visit Luxembourg museums

There are many interesting museums in Luxembourg City and elsewhere in the country. Visiting them allows you to better understand the history of the Grand Duchy and the culture of Luxembourg. Luxembourg City is full of museums that are an integral part of Luxembourg’s cultural heritage.

Museum events

Several annual events are regularly organized in the country’s museums. The Luxembourg Museum Days and the Night of the Museums are particularly noteworthy, as they allow you to discover this heritage during a special opening.

During these events, free activities are offered such as guided tours, workshops for all, conferences, and other surprises such as refreshments or snacks. Do not hesitate to participate.

Museum subscriptions and admissions

The museums of the City of Luxembourg offer free admission to all young people under 21 years of age and to all students up to 26 years of age.

The annual inter-museum pass is available in different forms: individual, couple, family, etc. With it, you will have free annual access to all the city’s museums, invitations to openings, lectures and special guided tours, as well as discounts on certain exhibition catalogs.
For more information, visit www.museumsmile.lu .

Association les Amis des Musées d’Art et d’Histoire Luxembourg

The Friends of the Museums of Luxembourg association contributes to the preservation of the cultural heritage and the enrichment of the museum collections.
With the membership card, you benefit from the unlimited free admission to affiliated museums throughout the year, as well as invitations to specific events of the association (vernissages, midis de l’art, guided tours, trips, etc.).
For more information, please visit amisdesmusees.lu.

All these museums also offer a restaurant or café/bar for refreshments. Family tours are regularly organized on specific themes, as is the possibility of celebrating your child’s birthday at the museum with friends.

Art workshops for children are also offered during school vacations. Ask the museums for more information.

Historical museums

Lëtzebuerg City Museum in Luxembourg

Located in the heart of the city of Luxembourg, this museum is the perfect union between ancient and modern architecture. Designed by Luxembourg architect Conny Lentz, the Lëtzebuerg City Museum is Luxembourg’s history museum. The permanent exhibition “The Luxembourg Story – over 1000 years of urban history” is well worth a visit.

Thehistory of the city of Luxembourg through the centuries can be found here. A collection of objects of all kinds, video and photo documentaries, and interactive multimedia applications trace its evolution. The visitor also discovers a 3D model and an interactive table to familiarize himself with the urbanistic problems of a multi-level city.

Regular temporary exhibitions focus on a particular aspect of the town’s history.

Mapping Luxembourg” lets you virtually compare historical and current maps of the City of Luxembourg.

Dräi Eechelen Museum – Fort Thüngen, Luxembourg

Fort Thüngen dates back to 1732. It is the historic fortress that symbolizes Luxembourg’s history. It is also known as “Dräi Eechelen” (Three Acorns), due to the peculiar shape of its acorn-shaped towers.

Partially razed during the dismantling of 1867, the remains of the fort and its surroundings were uncovered, restored and rebuilt to house the Dräi Eechelen Museum in Kirchberg, next to the MUDAM.

Here you can discover not only the history of the Thüngen fortress, but also the history of Luxembourg from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, through the fort’s architecture, underground galleries and mines. An underground gallery leads to another fort below, the Obergrunewald.

The projection of the film “Luxembourg 4D” allows to know better the history of Luxembourg in the 20th century.

While you’re there, take a stroll through the landscaped gardens of the Parc des Trois Glands.

Musée National d’Histoire et d’Art – MNHA in Luxembourg

The Musée National d’Histoire et d’Art de Luxembourg is also located in Luxembourg’s historic district. This museum is very popular with young and old alike, as it reconciles history with art.

Five underground levels dug into the limestone rock give the visits a very particular atmosphere in accordance with the periods visited (prehistory, protohistory and Gallo-Roman period).

You will also find a collection of coins and medals, decorative and popular arts, fine arts with a collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs, as well as temporary exhibitions .

You can visit the museum in 3D on the MNHA website.

Every 2 years, the MNHA alternates between hosting the Nuit de la recherche (early November) organized in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, the Traffo (Les Rotondes) and the Festival des sciences (after All Saints’ Day). This event offers opportunities to meet and experience researchers, visit laboratories and more.

The National Museum of History and Art is also in charge of the archaeological excavations in Luxembourg.

Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle – MNHN in Luxembourg

Installed in the Grund district since 1996, The Natur Museum is one of the richest and most interesting museums in the Grand Duchy. It offers visitors a detailed view of Luxembourg, its inhabitants and its geography.

It provides a better understanding of the natural sciences. It also has a scientific research and natural heritage conservation mission.

More broadly, it also traces the birth of the universe and the evolution of life on earth. Other temporary exhibitions on different themes such as rats or bears, the discovery of volcanoes or ice ages, taste or even the Marsupilami regularly attract new visitors.

Battle of the Bulge Museum in Wiltz

The terrible battle of the Ardennes in the winter of 1944-1945 devastated much of Luxembourg’s Eisléck. The towns of Clervaux, echternach, Wiltz and many others saw appalling fighting, resulting in the death of many soldiers and inhabitants.

The Battle of the Bulge Museum in Wiltz retraces the fighting that left many civilian victims and left its mark on the memory of Luxembourgers. The Château de Clervaux also presents this episode of the Second World War.

If you’d like to find out more about this dark period in history, don’t hesitate to visit the Battle of the Bulge museum in Bastogne, Belgium.

Printing and Card Museum in Grevenmacher

The Kulturhuef, housed in the former abattoir of the town of Grevenmacher, invites visitors to discover the technological evolution of printing in Luxembourg. Here you’ll find different types of printing presses and a presentation of the printing trades.

The Musée du Jeu de Cartes Jean Dieudonné presents the various techniques and objects used to make playing cards.

National Museum of Brewing Art in Wiltz

Visitors to this museum can see a permanent exhibition of Luxembourg’s 6,000-year beer-making history. Beer is one ofLuxembourg’s traditionalculinary specialties . A microbrewery allows you to follow the different stages of beer production.

Tannery Museum at Château de Wiltz

The Musée de la Tannerie retraces the art of tanning in the old tanneries of Wiltz. Wiltz was well known for its traditional production. Leather was worked here as early as the 17th century. The last tannery “Ideal Leder” closed its doors in 1961.

Rural and craft museum in Peppange

This museum was created in 1999 in an old 19th-century farmhouse. The Musée Rural et Artisanal in Peppange gives an insight into farm life in rural Luxembourg in centuries gone by. Our workshops will introduce you to the work of our ancestors.

Museums and art exhibitions

Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’Art Contemporain in Luxembourg

Casino Luxembourg takes its name from the former “Casino Bourgeois” built in 1882 in the historic heart of Luxembourg City. Since 1996, the Forum d’Art Contemporain Casino Luxembourg has been dedicated to contemporary art in all its forms.In a very classical architectural setting, it offers a full program of cultural activities, including exhibitions, video and film screenings, and temporary shows by well-known artists and new talents.

The Forum d’Art Contemporain also has an open-access library called InfoLab. Visitors can find books dedicated to contemporary art, as well as dossiers on local artists.
The Forum d’Art Contemporain is also a place for meetings and cultural exchanges. Franz Liszt gave a spontaneous recital here in 1886 for his last public appearance.

Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean – MUDAM Luxembourg

The Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean is a unique architectural landmark in the Kirchberg district.

It was designed by Ieoh Ming Pei (1917-2019), also architect of many world-famous buildings. The new building is based on the walls of theformer Luxembourg fortress. The light in the museum is spectacular.

MUDAM offers a complete program ofartistic activities, workshops and conferences for all ages and all audiences.
This museum of modern art hosts the annual Marché des Créateurs.

Villa Vauban, Art Museum, Luxembourg

The Villa Vauban houses the Art Museum of the City of Luxembourg. This 19th-century bourgeois house houses old art collections assembled by several wealthy Luxembourg families in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located in the beautiful Municipal Park, the Villa has been renovated and extended with a contemporary extension in 2010. After the tour, take a stroll through the park and take your kids to the Monterey Park Pirate Ship!
In summer, the Vauban art museum installs deckchairs in its park and offers a wide range of summer activities.

Edward Steichen’s “The Family of Man” collection at Clervaux

Château de Clervaux is home to Edward Steichen’s magnificent photo collection, “The Family of Man”.Inscribed on the Unesco Memory of the World Register in 2003, this collection is legendary, with over 10 million visitors worldwide.

“The Family of Man” features more than 500 black & white photographs by over 270 photographers from 68 countries. Designed by Edward Steichen in 1955 for the MOMA in New York, this collection promotes peace and human equality in a post-war context through humanistic portraits.

Find out more about Edward Steichen’s “The Family of Man” photo collection.

Film and audiovisual museums

Cinémathèque – Film museum in Luxembourg

Created in 1996, the Cinémathèque municipale de la Ville de Luxembourg is first and foremost a true Museum of Cinema .

Its mission is to preserve and promote the international film heritage. Member of the International Federation of Film Archives since 1983, the Cinémathèque has one of the most important collections of film archives in Europe: film prints, photos, movie posters, books, magazines, etc.

Center National de l’Audiovisuel in Dudelange

The Centre National de l’Audiovisuel in Dudelange was created thanks to a partnership between the City of Dudelange and the Luxembourg State. The NAC is entirely dedicated to audiovisual expression. The NAC is a must for photography and cultural programming.

The CNA holds all Luxembourg’s audiovisual and photographic archives. It also aims to protect and promote Luxembourg’s audiovisual and photographic heritage.

Photographic laboratories enable images and audiovisual documents to be deposited for restoration and conservation of the memory of Luxembourg’s heritage.

Transport museums

Luxembourg streetcar and bus museum

Luxembourg City’s public transport service exhibits its old vehicles in a purpose-built building in Luxembourg-Hollerich . Inaugurated in 1991, the “Tramsmusée” recalls the old streetcar depots.

In this exhibition you will discover the history of public transport in Luxembourg. The tour starts in the era of the horse-drawn tramway (in operation from 1875 to 1908), with a replica of a horse-drawn tramway. Then you’ll find old electric locomotives, a Ford vehicle used for catenary maintenance, and perfectly restored old buses. Scale models, photographic documents, films and objects such as maps and plans, inspector uniforms and transport tickets complete the exhibition.

Did you know that before the new tramway went into service in 2017, a tramway ran in Luxembourg City 50 years ago? The last electric tramway (car n°34 exposed in the Museum and in operation during the guided tours) ran until 1964 on the line 10 between the Place du Théâtre and Walferdange.

Peppange carriage museum

The Grand Duchess Charlotte Carriage Museum presents some thirty carriages from the Grand Court. Visitors can see it used for Grand Duchess Charlotte‘s wedding. Please note that this museum is closed from November to April, except by appointment for groups.

Please also visit our page dedicated to tourism, where you will find other Luxembourg museums.

 

Cultural centers in Luxembourg

Municipalities often have a local cultural center offering a wide variety of programming. You can take part in a wide range of cultural events including music, theater, opera, cabaret, readings and lectures. Find out more in the town where you live.

Of particular note are the following Cultural Centers.

Neumünster Abbey Centre Culturel de Rencontre, Luxembourg

The Abbey is a majestic site, nestled at the foot of theold Bock fortress in the historic district of Luxembourg-Grund.

Originally a Benedictine monastery in the 16th century, the abbey was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 17th century. It later became a police station during the French Revolution, then a Prussian barracks after the departure of Napoleonic troops. The German occupation turned it into a state prison.

In 1977, Neimënster Abbey became a Cultural and Meeting Centre. Its unique geographical location and picturesque scenery make it an unmissable venue for astonishing cultural encounters. Concerts, shows, exhibitions, debates and symposia are all on offer. The Abbey is also the stage for a variety of artistic creations. The Siren’s Call music festival takes place here. Take the time to stroll along the banks of the Alzette near the Abbey.

Les Rotondes in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, Les Rotondes is a real cultural institution. Located in Bonnevoie, this cultural space is famous for artistic creation, all disciplines included.

The Rotondes are two former locomotive sheds near the Luxembourg station. This unique venue offers events in the fields of performing arts, contemporary music and visual arts. There are also lectures, participatory projects and workshops for all ages. Bar La Buvette hosts the Eat it Festival celebrating street food .

Cercle Cité cultural center in Luxembourg

Located in the heart of the Luxembourg capital, the Cercle Cité opened its doors in 2011 in its current configuration, after numerous renovations. The Cercle Cité consists of the Cercle Municipal, a beautiful historical building overlooking the Place d’Armes since 1909. It was the scene of historic events. Official dinners were given there during visits of foreign heads of state. Prince Félix greeted the liberation of Luxembourg from the German occupation in 1944.

Connected by a glass bridge, the contemporary socio-cultural center built on the site of the former Ciné-Cité is the new meeting place for all types of cultural events: music concerts, conferences, exhibitions, literature in the library/media center.

Several rooms, including an amphitheater and lounges (including a 250-person banquet room) can be rented for events. The library and media library contains Luxembourgish, French, German and English literature. Agenda of events and information on the Cercle Cité website.

Kultur Fabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette

The Kultur Fabrik cultural center offers in a rather disruptive setting a set of buildings dedicated to culture and events. Installed in the former slaughterhouses of Esch-sur-Alzette, you will find here a vast and varied program.

Committed to a responsible and creative approach, Kultur Fabrik has several facilities dedicated to artists, artistic creation and sustainable development.

Performance venues, exhibition gallery, rehearsal rooms for contemporary music and theater groups, brasserie…

The CAPE, Centre des Arts Pluriels Edouard Juncker, located in Ettelbruck

CAPE is the decentralized platform for culture in Luxembourg. With its eclectic and varied programming, where cultural diversity is honored, the CAPE offers nearly a hundred shows a year in its three beautiful halls.

Designed by the architect Henri Jonas, and opened in 2000, the Centre des Arts Pluriels d’Ettelbrück offers shows for all tastes, including for children and a young audience.

The program covers all types of artistic expression. It is open to foreign artists as well as to young Luxembourgish creation. You can attend dance, music, circus, opera, literary events or visual arts. The Centre des Arts Pluriels also allows associations in the region to benefit from its facilities. It offers the possibility to young Luxembourgish talents to express themselves and to be known. Conference cycles are also organized there. Check the schedule on the website www.cape.lu.

The cultural house Cube 521 in Marnach, Clervaux

Its vocation is to make the world of culture and arts known and spread in the northern region of Luxembourg.It is in a very contemporary architectural setting, in harmony with its environment that the Cultural Center of Marnach welcomes all audiences, adults and children. Cube 521 is a place for meetings and high quality performances. Whether for meetings, conventions or conferences, Cube 521 welcomes visitors in a large room equipped with the latest technology. More information is available on the website www.cube521.lu.

Cultural Circle of the European Institutions in Luxembourg

It offers many activities and animations in various artistic, cultural and computer fields. The activities are also open to people not working in the European institutions. All nationalities and fields are represented. The following activities can be found there: oenology, ceramics, chess, painting, goldsmithing, singing, games of reflection, video, French, Italian, Romanian, Czech and Slovak theater, philately, numismatics, photo club, popular, Hungarian, Spanish, Romanian, Scottish and Greek dances, Greek cinema and theater, concerts, Bulgarian, Irish, Latin American and Portuguese cultures, art history, etc. Information and registration on the website www.cercleculturel.lu.

The country’s libraries are also a gold mine for information and cultural activities. Do not hesitate to visit them

Furthermore, the diversity of Luxembourg’s population has allowed the emergence of many cultural centers of foreign communities living in Luxembourg.