On the weekend of 17–18 May, nearly 40 museums across Luxembourg will open their doors for a nationwide celebration of culture, history, art and science: all free of charge. The Luxembourg Museum Days 2025 invite everyone to explore diverse collections and unique locations throughout the country: from the capital to the southern industrial towns, the quiet landscapes of the north, and the scenic Moselle and Mullerthal regions. From historical sites and art collections to science museums, interactive family spaces, and industrial heritage venues, each institution offers its own programme of guided tours, creative workshops, performances, and talks.

Organised by ICOM Luxembourg to mark International Museum Day, this nationwide event encourages audiences of all ages and backgrounds to engage with culture and history in new, playful, and participatory ways.

In Luxembourg City, the urban museum district is a perfect starting point: the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), the Luxembourg City Museum, the Villa Vauban, the Tram and Bus Museum, the Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’Art Contemporain, and the Musée Dräi Eechelen each offer guided tours, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities. Between the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA) at the Fish Market and Casino Luxembourg, a mobile art installation will animate the streets on Sunday. The Casino also offers screen printing workshops as part of the Sandsteeprints initiative, along with the Sandsteebeier art project while defining interactive contemporary art in the city centre.

Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Visitors can enjoy international exhibitions and take part in architectural tours of the iconic building designed by Ieoh Ming Pei. Mudam will also host interactive drop-in workshops like Moving Pixels and a live performance by Mexican artist Bárbara Sánchez-Kane (Aguas Frescas).

In the south, cultural variety abounds: the Konschthal Esch, founded during Esch2022 in a former furniture store in the city centre, now hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. As Christian Mosar, director of Konschthal Esch, explains : “Our philosophy is embracing the building’s labyrinthine character and using architecture as a part of the exhibition.” 

Nearby, the newly renovated Musée National de la Résistance et des Droits Humains in Esch-sur-Alzette brings history into the present with its focus on human rights, resistance, and memory under the motto of Frank Schroeder, its director: “Under what conditions do people practice resistance?”. It is one of the oldest museums in the country, founded in 1956, yet also one of the newest, reopening in March 2024 with a new exhibition space. Visitors can even design their own tote bag during a dedicated workshop on Sunday.

Also in the region, the Schelzbuerger Musée, the CAN Contemporary Art Dudelange, and the Musée rural et artisanal and Musée de la Calèche in Peppange provide insight into industrial heritage, rural craftsmanship, and historical mobility. Thay are all offering guided tours. The Musée National des Mines de Fer in Rumelange presents several themed train tours, from “lost places” to atmospheric underground lighting rides – with no prior booking required.

The CNA – Centre national de l’audiovisuel in Dudelange presents the new photo exhibition Facets of Humanity, alongside special photography workshops for children and teenagers, and a creative silkscreen session for printing on T-shirts and tote bags.

Coup de cœur: Heading further afield, a visit to the Musée de l’Ardoise in Haut-Martelange is a must. This museum is a reconversion of former slate quarries into a dynamic cultural site. As Doris Thilmany, administrative delegate of the museum, puts it: “Living history, experiencing history.” Visitors can explore both the underground galleries and the 8-hectare open-air area, featuring buildings that are continuously being expanded.

In Rosport, one of the highlights of the Museum Days is the Tudor Museum, which explores the history of electricity and battery technology by Henri Tudor. It also participates in the Maker Faire Luxembourg, where over 40 workshops explore the intersection of science and creativity.

In the north, several museums focus on Luxembourg’s WWII history and infrastructure: the National Museum of Military History, the General Patton Memorial Museum in Ettelbruck, the Conservatory of Historic Vehicles in Diekirch, the Firefighter Museum in Wiltz, and the Pompjeesmuseum in Wiltz

Clervaux is home to the UNESCO Memory of the World photo exhibition The Family of Man, housed in the château. The Museum of the Battle of the Ardennes complements the historical experience. Other highlights include the Musée Victor Hugo in Vianden, housed in the writer’s former residence, as well as the Musée de la Ville de Vianden.

Smaller museums across the country also enrich the programme. In Rindschleiden, the Thillenvogtei brings rural life around 1900 to life through immersive demonstrations, especially for school children. In Bech-Kleinmacher, the Musée ‘A Possen’ explores domestic life and local history, offering a calligraphy workshop on Saturday. The Musée National d’Art Brassicole et de la Tannerie in Wiltz tells the story of Luxembourgish brewing, while the Musée in Binsfeld presents the evolution of everyday rural life. Noteworthy is the Cloth Factory Museum in Esch-sur-Sûre.

In the Mullerthal and Mousel region, the Schengen Museum, the Echternach Abbey Museum, and the Reimervilla in Echternach highlight spiritual and European heritage in rich, historical settings. Furthermore: The Ehnen Wine Museum and the Kulturhuef in Grevenmacher, where printing, cinema, and storytelling take centre stage.

A brand-new addition is the Energy Museum in Beckerich, which opened in October 2024 and showcases the town’s pioneering role in renewable energy and ecological topics. As Sarita Neu, cultural coordinator of the museum, says: “Kulturmillen runs the museum and also hosts concerts, events, guided visits and pizza evenings. With the café and restaurant – there’s something for everyone!” 

Specialised museums highlight lesser-known stories: the Luxembourg Aviation Museum in Mondorf-les-Bains traces the country’s aeronautical history. The Police Museum in Capellen offers a glimpse into the development of policing in Luxembourg, not as a story of progress, but as a reflection of society.

Whether you’re looking to explore biodiversity at the Naturmusée, uncover industrial heritage in the south, or discover hidden stories about education, brewing, fire brigades, or ancient crafts. 

There’s something for every interest and every age. Hop on the trail of knowledge, history, and creativity this May –  and let yourself be surprised.

Hop Hop an de Musée – Luxembourg Museum Days 2025: 17-18 May | Free Admission

Many museums offer activities in Luxembourgish, French, German, and English. Selected workshops require advance booking via:

www.luxembourgmuseumdays.lu