We had planned for a lovely weekend in Luxembourg, but unfortunately, it was pouring with rain when we arrived. However, we managed to make the most of our weekend by immersing ourselves in the city’s culture and gastronomy, which led to a series of unexpected highlights. Ready to discover with us?
Text Anja Van Der Borght
When going on a city break, there are some things that are out of your control, such as the weather. We had the unfortunate luck of experiencing constant downpours, but during the few moments of sunshine, we were able to capture some beautiful photos. It made us realize that even a rainy city can be worth exploring. Just don’t forget your umbrella!
As it was raining when we left our hotel La Place d’Armes, we decided to take a car tour around Luxembourg’s fortified walls to soak up the atmosphere.
Museums also proved to be ideal shelter from the weather, and luckily, there are plenty of them to explore in Luxembourg. Here are a few musea focusing on art worth a visit.
Musee National d’Histoire et d’Art
Musee National d’Histoire et d’Art is a free museum with a focus on art, particularly on archaeology, featuring a collection from prehistory to the present day. Additionally, it also offers temporary paid exhibitions. It is recommended to allow at least an hour for your visit.
Marché-aux-Poissons, 2345, Luxemburg, www.mnha.lu
Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean
Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (our preferred museum)
Inaugurated in 2006, in a building specially designed by the famous Chinese-American architect architect Ieoh Ming Pei (yes, indeed, the same architect that designed The Louvre in Paris), Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean is located in the Park Dräi Eechelen, overlooking the splendid historic centre of the city of Luxembourg. Through its collection, its exhibitions, programming and partnerships, Mudam Luxembourg’s mission is to collect, present and make accessible the emblematic art of our time, for the widest possible audience.
Pull out two to three hours for the visit as apart from the museum (three floors). www.mudam.com
Mudam Café called ‘pure.’ is worth the time of lunch or a coffee. Designed by the French designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the atmosphere of pure. is unique. Sitting in a kind of huge orangery you can enjoy your coffee in a cosy atmosphere looking at the snow, rain or sun through the glass roof. pure. offers the richness and versatility of homemade cuisine, while giving pride of place to seasonal products from the Greater Region and Luxembourg. Its cuisine is creative, sustainable, surprising and sometimes puzzling – but always gourmet.
pure.lu
Even the Mudam store is worth about 20 minutes of your time. We couldn’t resist buying some artistic souvenirs
3, Park Dräi Eechelen, L-1499 Luxembourg-Kirchberg, www.mudam.com
Musée Dräi Eechelen
The Musée Dräi Eechelen is located in the restored keep of Fort Thüngen and is not really focusing on art but as it is just around the corner of Mudam, we suggest you to take a peek inside as well. The permanent exhibition showcases different eras of the fortress in each of the casemates, as well as its impact on the history of Luxembourg.
The tour begins in the Middle Ages with the capture of the city by the Burgundians in 1443 and concludes with the construction of the Adolphe Bridge in 1903. Over 600 objects and original documents, many of which have never been displayed before, highlight the diversity of the collections.
A special room houses a selection of historical photographs that depict the fortress immediately before and after its destruction. The history of the museum’s building itself is also an important element of the permanent exhibition.
The virtual fortress invites you to independently explore important themes of the permanent exhibition through an interactive database and audio-visual documentation in the multimedia room. In the auditorium, the film ‘Luxembourg 4D’ illustrates the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the country in the 20th century.
5, Park Draï Eechelen, Luxemburg Stad 1499, Luxemburg, www.m3e.lu
Villa Vauban – Musée d’Art de la Ville
Villa Vauban – Musée d’Art de la Ville is a unique museum. The collection is housed in a beautifully restored villa from 1873 in a magnificently landscaped park. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions around its own permanent collection (European art between the 17th and 19th centuries and Luxembourg art of the 20th and 21st centuries). Although the collection is relatively small, the way it is displayed is phenomenal. The museum exudes tranquility and displays its pieces beautifully.
18, avenue Émile Reuter, L-2420 Luxembourg, www.villavauban.lu
Casino of Luxembourg
Some people believe that casinos should remain as casinos, but after visiting the Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, you may well change your mind. Conveniently located in the heart of the capital, it hosts contemporary art exhibitions featuring an international programme primarily showcasing younger-generation artists. The art centre provides public spaces with a range of uses and functions, combining modern art with a welcoming, sociable and incredibly peaceful meeting space. The ground floor, located adjacent to a bookshop and a library specializing in contemporary art, contains an area dedicated to educational activities and a café-restaurant. The first floor is exclusively reserved for temporary exhibitions. These are complemented by a diverse programme of guided tours, conferences, concerts, and workshops. Operating more like an artistic and experimental think tank than a traditional museum, the Casino Luxembourg stays ahead of the latest trends in the art scene. The stunning open views of the city are the perfect finishing touch.
41, rue Notre-Dame L-2240 Luxembourg Deuxième entrée : 7, boulevard F. Roosevelt L-2240 Luxembourg, www.casino-luxembourg.lu
For dinner, we recommend Bar Brasserie Bazaar as the place to be for both the trendy crowd and families. It’s a vibrant atmosphere where Mediterranean, Greek, Persian, and even Barbary Coast influences combine to create a carnival for the taste buds. Their Couscous Royal (only available on Sundays) is so delicious that we would take a three-hour drive from Belgium just to eat there. Night owls can continue their party downstairs in the discotheque. Good value for money!
46 Place Guillaume II 1648 Luxembourg Ville +352 28 99 07 07, www.bazaar.lu
If it can be a little fancier, then Restaurant Six/Seven is a must. Located on the top two floors of the Royal Hamilius shopping centre, you will not only enjoy good food here but also a magnificent 360° view both inside and on the terrace.
Fancy a cocktail, tapas or delicious food in a brasserie atmosphere? Then the sixth floor of the Royal Hamilius is the perfect place for you. We didn’t try out this brasserie but looking at the happy crowd we guess it is as good as the floor above.
103 Grand-Rue, 1660 Ville-Haute Luxembourg, www.restaurantsixseven.lu
We also had an amazing stay and dinner at Hotel La Place d’Armes. Read our review here.
More info about Luxembourg:
www.visitluxembourg.com
