For modern art aficionados. there is a long list of galleries on the must-visit list — the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, MoMA in New York — but not many lists include Luxembourg’s Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean. It could be because of its location, hidden above the country’s capital at one with its surroundings. Or perhaps it could be its openness to appeal to all levels of art lover, not just experts.
MUDAM is to Luxembourg what the Tate Modern is to the UK. The art gallery is set up to house some of the world’s most forward-thinking contemporary artists in a space unlike any other and appealing to a wide range of people. The building was designed by famous architect leoh Ming Pei, creator of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and John F Kennedy Library in Boston. It was constructed as a bold opportunity for its artists to intervene in all of its spaces, exhibiting in traditional galleries as well as reception areas and in-house auditoriums. This unique feature is what makes a visit such a refreshing experience — no trip is ever the same and each space is constantly changing as the exhibiting artists showcase their work.
Previous exhibitors include Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry and his eye-opening "My Civilisation," the industrial documentarians Bernd and Hilla Becher, Academy Award winner Steve McQueen and fine art photographer Wolfgang Tillmans. It's a clear indication of the range of work and mediums the gallery represents. Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, as well as design, fashion, graphic design and new media are all covered; what is clear is that for a country of its size, Luxembourg certainly packs a punch with its current artistic offering.
If modern art isn’t quite your cup of tea, not to worry. The beautifully lit atrium is the perfect place to stop off for lunch in an environment a million miles away from your typical Luxembourgian street café. The museum also offers guided tours to help bring the exhibitions to life, and spoken word events and classes for children to begin their artistic journey in the ideal setting.
