Programme
From mid-July to mid-September, Place Léon XIII will undergo a metamorphosis, becoming a place where people can meet, relax and discover a range of activities, right in the heart of the district.
Throughout the summer, everyone is invited to come and enjoy the free temporary installations – including the Open Air Cinema, which will be moving to your district for a weekend in August.
Also, from Thursday to Sunday, the square will be the venue for a number of free events, such as workshops and live entertainment, promising an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Main themes covered in the programme:
- Opportunities to meet others
- Culture and heritage
- Nature and biodiversity
- Children and families
- Sport and well-being
July
| Date | Time | Activity | Description | Organiser | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 16 July | 16:00–21:00 | Grande Table Urbaine (Big Community Table) | Official launch of the "Mäi Quartier, Meng Plaz" (My Neighbourhood, My Place) initiative, bringing people together around the Big Community Table (<em>Grande Table Urbaine</em>). The College of Aldermen will attend the event from 17:15 to 18:15. | City of Luxembourg | |
| Saturday, 18 July | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. | ||
| Wednesday, 22 July | 18:30–20:30 | Community cycling session | Explore some of the most scenic gravel routes around the capital with the Panaché Vëlo team in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Route: 30 to 40 km (intermediate level, average speed of 20 km/h). Practical information, Komoot/GPX route, and updates will be posted on Panaché Vëlo's Instagram the day before the ride. What to bring: a spare inner tube and mandatory front and rear lights. You participate at your own risk. | Panaché Vëlo | |
| Thursday, 23 July | 17:30–19:30 | Workshop: "How to green your façade" | Discover how a green façade can support biodiversity, improve the urban climate and enhance quality of life in your district. This workshop will offer practical tips on selecting climbing plants, choosing suitable support systems, planting and ongoing care. A practical demonstration will show you how to create your own vertical greening system. The workshop will be conducted in Luxembourgish, with French explanations provided if needed. | Thécla Kirsch and SIAS | |
| Friday, 24 July | 14:00–15:00 | "D'Welt vun de Beien" workshop | Discover the fascinating world of bees through an interactive workshop. What does a beekeeper do? How do bees build their hive? How is honey made, and what different types are there? Explore the secrets of the world of bees during this workshop for people all ages. | Service Enseignement (Education Department) – Nature Activities | Website |
| Saturday, 25 July | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. | ||
| Wednesday, 29 July | 18:30–20:30 | Community cycling session | Explore some of the most scenic gravel routes around the capital with the Panaché Vëlo team in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Route: 30 to 40 km (intermediate level, average speed of 20 km/h). Practical information, Komoot/GPX route, and updates will be posted on Panaché Vëlo's Instagram the day before the ride. What to bring: a spare inner tube and mandatory front and rear lights. You participate at your own risk. | Panaché Vëlo | |
| Friday, 31 July | 16:00–20:00 | "Chantier changement de regard" (Changing perspectives) workshop | Creative workshop: create your own wish tree. The aim is to create a space for dialogue, exchange and expression, inviting everyone to question the way they perceive others, reflect on the origins of their assumptions and explore new ways of seeing the world. | Inter-Actions ASBL / Ensemble Gare-Bonnevoie & ATD Quart Monde | Website |
August
| Date | Time | Activity | Description | Organiser | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 1 August | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. | ||
| Wednesday, 5 August | 18:30–20:30 | Community cycling session | Explore some of the most scenic gravel routes around the capital with the Panaché Vëlo team in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Route: 30 to 40 km (intermediate level, average speed of 20 km/h). Practical information, Komoot/GPX route, and updates will be posted on Panaché Vëlo's Instagram the day before the ride. What to bring: a spare inner tube and mandatory front and rear lights. You participate at your own risk. | Panaché Vëlo | |
| Thursday, 6 August | 21:15 | City Open Air Cinema | Open-air screening of the film "La Boum". | Cinémathèque | Website |
| Friday, 7 August | 16:00–20:00 | "Chantier changement de regard" (Changing perspectives) workshop | Creative workshop: create your own wish tree. The aim is to create a space for dialogue, exchange and expression, inviting everyone to question the way they perceive others, reflect on the origins of their assumptions and explore new ways of seeing the world. | Inter-Actions ASBL / Ensemble Gare-Bonnevoie & ATD Quart Monde | |
| Friday, 7 August | 21:15 | City Open Air Cinema | Open-air screening of the film "Lola rennt" (known in English as “Run Lola Run”). | Cinémathèque | Website |
| Saturday, 8 August | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. | ||
| Saturday, 8 August | 21:15 | City Open Air Cinema | Open-air screening of the film "Roman Holiday". | Cinémathèque | Website |
| Tuesday, 11 August | 17:00–19:00 | Urban fabric delights #03 | A warm, friendly potluck gathering where participants bring and share not only dishes of food, but also ideas, experiences and thoughts on the city's urban fabric. On the menu: homemade or locally purchased dishes, open discussions and, above all, a 100% positive attitude! | Shaaf Milani-Nia / City of Luxembourg Architecture Directorate | |
| Wednesday, 12 August | 18:30–20:30 | Community cycling session | Explore some of the most scenic gravel routes around the capital with the Panaché Vëlo team in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Route: 30 to 40 km (intermediate level, average speed of 20 km/h). Practical information, Komoot/GPX route, and updates will be posted on Panaché Vëlo's Instagram the day before the ride. What to bring: a spare inner tube and mandatory front and rear lights. You participate at your own risk. | Panaché Vëlo | |
| Thursday, 13 August | 17:30–19:30 | Local after-work gathering | A friendly and welcoming gathering to create an opportunity for residents to meet and socialise, strengthen community ties, and promote integration, social diversity and quality of life in the district. | Inter-Actions ASBL / Ensemble Gare-Bonnevoie | Website |
| Friday, 14 August | 19:00–22:00 | Silent Disco | Headphones on, let's share the moment! A fun evening for young and old alike, hosted by DJ Luke Skywalker and DJ Bob Christy, featuring the biggest hits from the '80s, '90s and '00s. | Tiers-Lieu Bonnevoie / Inter-Actions asbl | Website |
| Saturday, 15 August | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. | ||
| Thursday, 20 August | 14:30–16:30 | Tuffi on Tour – Storytime for kids | Children are invited to discover the joy of reading through captivating stories and a selection of books, right in their own district. | Lëtzebuerg City Bibliothèque | Website |
| Thursday, 20 August | 19:00–22:00 | West Coast Swing Social Dance | An inclusive cultural and social activity open to all, where residents and visitors can discover West Coast Swing in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. | West Coast Swing asbl | Website |
| Sunday, 23 August | 15:30 | Maria Grazia Galati – "Monelli a fornelli" | A fun and interactive reading session inspired by the world of <em>Monelli a fornelli</em>. A story in Italian for children. | PassaParola ASBL | Website |
| Sunday, 23 August | 16:30 | Maria Grazia Galati – "Donne libere dentro. Nuovi racconti" | Through her stories, Maria Grazia Galati gives voice to strong and courageous women who are confronted with social conventions, life choices, and hardships, but who are also driven by a desire for freedom. Author reading in Italian for adults. | PassaParola ASBL | Website |
| Sunday, 23 August | 17:30 | Remo Ceccarelli – "Des Italiens, jadis, dans l'épopée du fer" | A reading exploring the history and legacy of Italian immigration to Luxembourg. Author reading in French for adults. | PassaParola ASBL | Website |
| Sunday, 23 August | 18:30 | Oreste Sacchelli – "Les Jardins de Pfaffenthal" by Bruno Agostini | Oreste Sacchelli, who translated this book into French, will read from the novel, which is deeply rooted in Luxembourg's history. Author reading in French for adults. | PassaParola ASBL | Website |
| Monday, 24 August | 17:00–18:00 | Workshop: ‘La météo des émotions urbaines et dessine-moi ton quartier idéal’ | Let's talk about our district! A friendly discussion with a chance to share your everyday habits, memories, favourite likes and ideas with other local residents, and think about its future together. | Solène Silliere / City of Luxembourg Equal Opportunity Unit | |
| Thursday, 27 August | 19:00–22:00 | West Coast Swing Social Dance | An inclusive cultural and social activity open to all, where residents and visitors can discover West Coast Swing in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. | West Coast Swing asbl | Website |
| Saturday, 29 August | 15:00–17:00 | Kräid Graffiti | Create a collective work in <em>Place Léon XIII</em> | Ann Muller | |
| Sunday, 30 August | 10:00–12:00 | Kräid Graffiti | Create a collective work in <em>Place Léon XIII</em> | Ann Muller | |
| Monday, 31 August | 11:30–12:30 | Lunchtime apéro to change the world #1 | Bring along some snacks for a lunchtime apéro while you get chatting about how to make the world a better place. | Shaaf Milani-Nia / City of Luxembourg Architecture Directorate |
September
| Date | Time | Activity | Description | Organiser | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 1 September | 18:00 | Reading | Readings by Luxembourgish Authors | Binsfeld | |
| Wednesday, 2 September | 14:30–16:30 | Tuffi on Tour – Storytime for kids | Children are invited to discover the joy of reading through captivating stories and a selection of books, right in their own district. | Lëtzebuerg City Bibliothèque | Website |
| Wednesday, 2 September | 18:30–20:30 | Community cycling session | Explore some of the most scenic gravel routes around the capital with the Panaché Vëlo team in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Route: 30 to 40 km (intermediate level, average speed of 20 km/h). Practical information, Komoot/GPX route, and updates will be posted on Panaché Vëlo's Instagram the day before the ride. What to bring: a spare inner tube and mandatory front and rear lights. You participate at your own risk. | Panaché Vëlo | |
| Wednesday, 2 September | 18:00–19:30 | Readings by Luxembourg authors | Reading and discussion with Luxembourg authors Julie Schmit, Romain Haas, Jean Back and Jos Kayser The TIMBA series by Éditions Kremart features short stories in Luxembourgish. Come discover these works through excerpts read by the authors themselves. Programme: Julie Schmit, with volumes 1 and 2 of "Engelsflilleken", about the young artist Zoé; Romain Haas, with "Am Ballon iwwer Lëtzebuerg", an odyssey like no other that takes place in 1913; Jean Back with "De Schapp beim Wal", where the story unfolds in a forest in Dudelange; and Jos Kayser, with "Déif gekillt", a mini crime novel set in Bonnevoie. Poetry reading with Jowce Jowce takes readers on an autobiographical journey through his emotions, his personal experiences and his dreams. Through his poetry, he also shares his remarkable healing journey. | Kremart | |
| Friday, 4 September | 17:00–20:00 | Grande Table Urbaine (Big Community Table) | Let's eat! A communal meal for local residents. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share and help create an international feast celebrating flavours, connections and cultural exchange. | Tiers-Lieu Bonnevoie / Inter-Actions asbl | Website |
| Saturday, 5 September | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. | ||
| Saturday, 5 September | 14:30 | Game of Skate | Sign up from 14:30 to 15:00 (limited to 16 skaters). The event starts at 15:00! Take your chance and win great prizes! | Skateboard Club Hollerech Asbl | |
| Monday, 7 September | 11:30–12:30 | ‘Lunchtime apéro to change the world #03’ | Bring along some snacks for a lunchtime <em>apéro </em> while you get chatting about how to make the world a better place. | Shaaf Milani-Nia / City of Luxembourg Architecture Directorate | |
| Wednesday, 9 September | 18:30–20:30 | Community cycling session | Explore some of the most scenic gravel routes around the capital with the Panaché Vëlo team in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Route: 30 to 40 km (intermediate level, average speed of 20 km/h). Practical information, Komoot/GPX route, and updates will be posted on Panaché Vëlo's Instagram the day before the ride. What to bring: a spare inner tube and mandatory front and rear lights. You participate at your own risk. | Panaché Vëlo | |
| Friday, 11 September | 17:30–18:30 | Historical guided tour | A guided tour to discover the district's history and heritage. | Municipal archives | Website |
| Saturday, 12 September | 10:00–12:00 | Terra – information stand/pickup | Information stand and collection point organised as part of the Terra project. |
Gallery
History
A district marked by history and solidarity
Bonnevoie residents and visitors, do you know the history of this district and this square? Here's a little background to help you gain a better understanding of this iconic Luxembourg City district.
Ancient origins
The name "Bonnevoie" most likely derives from the Latin bona via ("good road") or bonus vicus ("pleasant place to live"), reminding us that this area was important as far back as Roman times.
In the 13th century, the Cistercian nuns founded the Notre-Dame de Bonnevoie abbey on the site of a former leper house. The abbey had a strong influence on local life for nearly six centuries. Located outside the Luxembourg ramparts, it endured repeated plundering and destruction during various wars. In 1794, French revolutionary troops destroyed the abbey once and for all, and the religious community was soon dissolved.
To this day, the entrance gate on Rue de Bonnevoie and Place du Parc, formerly the convent's gardens, are a testament to this past.
Between fortress and industrial development
Located outside the city's fortifications along the road to Thionville, Bonnevoie was near Fort Neipperg – which was on the heights of Verlorenkost – and Fort Wedell, across from what is now Luxembourg Central Station, which was originally called Bonnevoie Station.
The dismantling of the fortress of Luxembourg, which was dictated by the 1867 Treaty of London, paved the way for the district to grow quickly as the industrial revolution unfolded.
The population surged in the late 19th century. The residents financed the construction of Saint Joseph's Church, where the first masses were held in 1888, before the building was even completed.
The economic boom also enabled the municipality of Hollerich – where Bonnevoie was located – to become a city in 1914, under the name Hollerich-Bonnevoie. Hollerich-Bonnevoie then became the Grand Duchy's third most populous municipality after Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette, but its existence was short-lived, as it was merged with Luxembourg City, Eich, Rollingergrund and Hamm on 26 March 1920.
Located near the train station, Bonnevoie was battered by bombardments during the two world wars, which claimed many victims. On 9 August 1944, Allied bombardments destroyed Saint Joseph's Church. The church was replaced in 1952 by the Mary Queen of Peace Church.
Leo XIII and Pierre Krier
Place Léon XIII honours Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), who was renowned for advocating for social justice and the working class.
One of the district's major thoroughfares is named after Pierre Krier (1885–1947), a Bonnevoie native, trade unionist and labour minister. He was a leading figure in Luxembourg's social movement and embodied the district's attachment to solidarity and social progress.
We want to hear what you think!
The temporary installations were designed to foster a sense of community, provide a space for leisure activities and encourage social interactions across the city's districts. We'd like to know more about your own experience:
- Did you enjoy this space?
- Was the atmosphere welcoming?
- What aspects would you like to see preserved, enhanced or expanded in the future?
Your remarks, ideas and suggestions are important to us, as they will help us assess the project and shape the future of Luxembourg City's public spaces. Your voice matters! Use this space, take part in the activities and share your views. Your feedback will help shape the future of our city's public spaces.
Form(s) to be completed
Questionnaire
Via online form
Non-authenticated method, manual signing and sending
