Luxembourg Celebrates as 2007 Capital of Culture

The one and only time I’ve ever been to Luxembourg was during my first trip to Europe in the early ’70s.

I flew Icelandic Airlines (now Icelandair) to Luxembourg on my way to be an au pair in Switzerland. All I recall is that my first night in Europe was spent in a Holiday Inn and my first meal was a Wimpy Burger.

Not exactly what I thought Europe would be like!

It’s time for a return visit, and 2007 may be the year. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’s theme as aCapital of Culture in 2007 focuses on migration, crossing borders and cultural cooperation.

More than 400 projects will spread beyond the Grand Duchy to include the Saar and Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, the Lorraine in France and the Walloon Region in Belgium.

And for the first time, another city will become the partner of Luxembourg as a second European Capital of Culture 2007, with equal rights.Sibiu/Hermannstadt is a Romanian city in the heart of Transylvania that will also be celebrating during the coming year.

Luxembourg will welcome visitors with new cultural infrastructures, major exhibitions, world premieres of musical productions, theater, dance, and children’s programs.

The new Musee d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM), designed by the famous Sino-American architect I.M. Pei, opened in July 2006. Other recent developments include the opening of the Philharmonie concert hall designed by Christian de Portzamparc and the restoration of the Rotondes, two former roundhouses built as repair stations for locomotives, which are now venues for exhibitions and performances.

Artists and performers have been engaged for a full roster of cultural year events. There will also be a major exhibition exploring migrations and globalization by the high-profile curator Hou Hanru.

For schedules and details about Luxembourg and Greater Region, European Capital of Culture 2007 and for information about traveling to Luxembourg visit www.visitluxembourg.com

Pictured above is a poster for the opening of the Musee d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM) in Luxembourg.