Art Enthusiasts Find Haven Amid Luxembourg’s Forests

Luxembourg’s heart, culture-wise, beats amidst the leafy sprawl of the Éisleck, the Ardennes region. This rural area, replete with rolling hills, craggy valleys, and verdant plateaus, is often a favourite for outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling. Two natural parks and the country’s largest lake weave trails that stretch hundreds of miles within.

Nestled within this verdant enclave are 17 towns and villages of the Clervaux municipality, now making waves in the art world. The town of Clervaux, the largest among them, brims with outdoor exhibitions, intimate concerts, and globally-renowned photography displays. Let’s delve into some of these captivating experiences.

Visit the home of world-renowned photography collections

Clervaux, the self-proclaimed photography capital of Luxembourg, owes its title to the UNESCO-recognized The Family of Man exhibition. Showcasing 503 monochrome photographs by legendary artists like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, and Robert Doisneau, this iconic collection was first displayed at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 1955. It traveled the globe for ten years before settling in Clervaux’s 12th-century castle, thanks to MoMA’s then-photography director and Luxembourg-native Edward Steichen. Nearly seven decades on, this anthology still resonates, embodying themes such as birth, love, friendship, work, and death, and serving as a post-World War II peace manifesto. Many of its photographs have become 20th-century icons.

Explore open-air photography galleries

The Family of Man is not Clervaux’s sole photographic jewel. The Clervaux — Cité de l’Image project morphs the town’s thoroughfares into a sprawling outdoor gallery, with yearly changing installations. Visitors can witness the works of budding photographers from Luxembourg and elsewhere, showcased in diverse open-air spots from the ancient brick-lined arcades to the bustling market square. A complimentary guided tour enhances the experience, introducing visitors to the town’s historical landmarks.

Unearth the region’s vibrant cultural hotspots

Clervaux’s cultural devotion is instantly apparent. Konschthaus op der Gare, an art hub situated opposite the station, encompasses three galleries and hosts events from readings to cozy concerts. Visitors can appreciate the art, interact with resident artists, or just relax in the shared space. Those interested in WWII history can visit the Museum of the Ardennes Counteroffensive within Clervaux Castle to see artifacts from the Battle of the Bulge, including original uniforms, documents, and weapons.

The surrounding region also offers gems like Marnach’s Cube 521 cultural center, which hosts concerts, dance and theatre performances, lectures, and children’s events. Cube 521 also organizes the Clervaux Castle Summer Music Festival, spotlighting the varied Luxembourg music scene through thrilling live concerts. The town of Wiltz, a short drive from Clervaux, hosts the annual Wiltz Festival in a 16th-century chateau, offering a rich array of jazz to reggae performances.

Getting there

Direct flights operate daily from London to Luxembourg’s Lux-Airport. From there, a bus ride to Luxembourg Central Railway Station and a northbound train to Troisvierges, stopping in Clervaux, completes the journey. The trip from Luxembourg City is about an hour, and like all public transport in the country, is free of charge. For more details, visit visit-clervaux.lu.

To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Clervaux art scene

More about Clervaux art scene

• Visit Luxembourg
• Clervaux Tourism
• The Family of Man Exhibition
• Konschthaus op der Gare
• Cube 521 Cultural Centre
• Wiltz Festival