Discover Clervaux Castle and The Family of Man: A Journey Through Luxembourg
Summary
After our midday meal in Clervaux, we proceeded to explore another UNESCO World Heritage site in Luxembourg, of which there are many throughout the country. Our destination was the celebrated photography exhibition, “The Family of Man.”
This collection of photographs is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register due to its significant historical importance and is an essential visual experience whilst traversing the picturesque Luxembourg countryside!
We embarked on our journey to Clervaux Castle, which serves as the home for “The Family of Man” collection…
Clervaux Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is a stunning structure enveloped in verdant landscapes!
As we wandered the grounds, our cameras captured the exquisite beauty, momentarily distracting us from our intended exhibition visit.
Our excitement was palpable as we finally remembered our purpose—visiting the exhibition itself.
Here is a brief overview provided by the custodians of the collection regarding the context of “The Family of Man”:
The Family of Man comprises 503 photographs by 273 artists from 68 countries, curated by Edward Steichen for the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). First presented in 1955, the exhibition aimed to convey a manifesto for peace and the universal equality of humanity, showcased through humanist photography from the post-war period. Photography by renowned artists such as Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, Robert Doisneau, August Sander, and Ansel Adams was displayed in a modernist and impressive fashion.
Having journeyed globally and exhibited in over 150 museums worldwide, the definitive version of this exhibition has been permanently installed in Clervaux Castle since 1994. Since its inception, The Family of Man has welcomed over 10 million visitors and secured its position in the annals of photographic history as a noteworthy exhibition. In 2003, this collection was designated as part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
The distinctive quality of the individual photographs lies in their narrative; collectively, they portray various facets of human experience.
As we continued our exploration, we were captivated by the enchanting images, which despite photographic technology’s advancements, still conveyed their unique charm and encapsulated stories of their respective eras.
Finally, we emerged into the sunlight, taking a moment to appreciate the stunning surroundings of the castle before heading back to the airport!
One of the most effective ways to truly appreciate Luxembourg’s offerings is to experience both the city and its charming countryside.
Being a compact nation, the journey from the northern tip to the south takes just about an hour. Therefore, renting a vehicle or familiarizing oneself with public transport schedules can be advantageous for comprehensive exploration!
