Annual grand exhibition

Every summer, the Luxembourg City Photothèque puts on a grand exhibition exploring a different theme. A selection of photographs from its extensive collections invites visitors to rediscover the history, everyday life and evolution of the city from a variety of perspectives.

The exhibition is set to run from July to September at the Ratskeller of the Cercle Cité (Rue du Curé entrance).

More than a Postcard. Le Luxembourg entre arrivée et départ

In the 19th century, Luxembourg emerged as an increasingly popular destination for travellers seeking to learn more about the country. From the earliest visits by travellers from neighbouring countries, a rich and multifaceted tourist image gradually took shape, centred on Luxembourg City. As the country's political, economic, and cultural heart, the city has shaped both the itineraries and perceptions of its visitors. In the 20th century, it evolved into a European crossroads, giving rise to new forms of travel that combined urban tourism, business and cultural exchange.

The Photothèque of the City of Luxembourg traces these journeys through images: from arrival and leisurely strolls to sightseeing and capturing fleeting moments The photographs bear witness to the movements of travel, social change, and the remarkable continuity of tourist motifs and perspectives.

For the first time, photographs taken abroad by Luxembourg photographers broaden this perspective, opening a window onto Europe, North Africa, and overseas destinations. Travel thus emerges not only as an arrival, but also as a departure.

In July and August, additional photographs will be on display on the pedestrian walkway connecting Place de la Gare with the Bonnevoie district – a place where paths cross, people arrive and pass through, and where the theme of the exhibition is directly reflected in the city's daily life.

The exhibition creates a dialogue between arrivals and departures, showcasing Luxembourg as both a destination and a starting point. Between journeys begun and journeys completed, the exhibition brings together a mosaic of travel narratives that chart the evolution of travel while celebrating the enduring curiosity that drives us to explore the world and record our experiences.

Practical information

  • Dates: 4 July to 20 September 2026
  • Times: Open every day from 11:00 to 19:00
  • Venue: Ratskeller, Cercle Cité (entrance: Rue du Curé).
  • Admission is free

Guided tours:

  • 4 July 2026 at 11:00 (LU), led by Christian Aschman, Keven Erickson, Sam Klein, Gaby Sonnabend
  • 29 August 2026 at 11:00 (LU), led by Gaby Sonnabend
  • 19 September 2026 at 15:00 (FR), led by Christian Aschman
  • 20 September 2026 at 15:00 (EN), led by Keven Erickson

Tours are free. Register on-site or by email to phototheque@vdl.lu / max. 15 people per tour

Catalogue

Catalogue on sale for €15.

Past exhibitions

  • 1988: La ville de Luxembourg et son passé récent
  • 1989: La ville de Luxembourg et son passé récent: Boulevard Royal
  • 1990: La ville de Luxembourg et son passé récent: Grand-Rue
  • 1991: La ville de Luxembourg et son passé récent: Place d'Armes
  • 1992: La ville de Luxembourg et son passé récent: Place de la Gare
  • 1993: La ville de Luxembourg et son passé récent: Avenue de la Liberté
  • 1994: La Photothèque se présente
  • 1995: Luxembourg de 1944 1945 by Tony Vaccaro
  • 1996: 100 Joër Grande-Duchesse Charlotte
  • 1997: Sur les traces de Vauban et Wenceslas
  • 1998: Edward Steichen à l'Hôtel de ville
  • 1999: Au tournant du siècle
  • 2000: Pol Aschman
  • 2001: La famille princière
  • 2002: Théo Mey "Chasseur d'images"
  • 2003: Les femmes dans la photographie luxembourgeoise
  • 2004: Marcel Schroeder "Le clic qui transfigure"
  • 2005: La mobilité sous tous ses angles
  • 2006: Tony Krier "Vivre sa passion"
  • 2007: Schueberfouer
  • 2008: "D'Stad bewegt sech" 80 photos 1910–2008
  • 2008: D'Badanstalt kritt 100 Joër
  • 2009: Pol Aschman "Il n'y a pas si longtemps"
  • 2010: Quand l'Europe emménageait à Luxembourg
  • 2011: Edouard Kutter: Lëtzeburg – Stad a Leit
  • 2015: Le Kirchberg – Porte de l'Europe
  • 2016: La Place d'Armes et le Cercle
  • 2017: Métiers d'antan et travail manuel
  • 2018: Jochen Herling
  • 2019: Jean Weyrich, gentleman photojournaliste
  • 2020: Luxembourg-ville, de la forteresse au patrimoine mondial UNESCO
  • 2021: Des gens et des rues. 100 ans Pol Aschman
  • 2022: Luxembourg 360° – la capitale à travers des collections photographiques inédites
  • 2023: Not human. Les autres habitants du Luxembourg.
  • 2024: Put it on! Le Luxembourg s'habille
  • 2025: Nature, captured and framed