Edward Steichen's Nature
The exhibition "The Nature of Edward Steichen" was officially opened in the presence of Maurice Bauer, Deputy Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Cécilia Zunt-Radot, Director of the Lët'z Arles association, and Ruud Priem, the exhibition's curator. On show at Merl Park from 13 July to 25 October 2026, the installation is inspired by the exhibition of the same name, staged by Lët'z Arles ASBL at the Rencontres de la photographie in Arles, between 6 July and 4 October 2026.
Edward Steichen – an icon of modern photography
Born in Luxembourg, Edward Steichen (1879–1973) is a major figure in modern photography. Although he is known mostly for his portraits, his fashion photography, and his role in organising international exhibitions, his deep-rooted connection to nature was also a fundamentally important – if often overlooked – aspect of his artistry.
"La Nature d'Edward Steichen"
Through a selection of larger prints of photographs honouring Steichen as a man, his artistic work, and his passion for nature, the exhibit spotlights this last aspect of his work, for which he is less known. The images are drawn from the collections of the Musée national d'archéologie, d'histoire et d'art (National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art), Banque et Caisse d'Épargne de l'État (National Bank), the Edward Steichen Estate and the Luxembourg City Photothèque.
A painter by training, Steichen soon began taking an interest in the pictorial qualities of photography. His work attests to constant awareness of the light, ambience and the metamorphoses of the natural world as the seasons change. A passionate botanist, he also devoted a significant portion of his work to photographing flowers – in particular, delphiniums, which he cultivated and hybridised himself.
In Merl Park, the City of Luxembourg's Service Parcs (Parks Department) has planted a beautiful garden of delphiniums, as a companion to the exhibition. The interplay between the photos and the plants provides visitors with an immersive experience which closely mimics the lush botanical world that inspired the artist himself.
With this initiative, Merl Park has been turned into an open-air gallery. The exhibition is free to visit and open to everyone until 25 October 2026.
Link
