Xavier Bettel presented the plans for the National Gallery of Luxembourgish Art on Thursday morning in his role as minister for culture.

The national gallery will open its doors to the public in five years time. Construction work will begin in two years and last for three years. The plan is to showcase works from 1945 to the present day in a space of approximately 1,000 square metres. The national gallery will be associated with the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA) as well as the Dräi Eechelen Museum.

Bettel emphasised that there is an impressive number of Luxembourgish artists who have not yet had the opportunity to regularly showcase their work. He stressed that this is not a nationalist project, but instead focuses on the talent that does exist in Luxembourg.

The national gallery will not have its own permanent collection, but instead will borrow collections from either museums such as Mudam or the MNHA and from private collections. There will be 12 permanent employees in the gallery.

The national gallery will move into the current National Library of Luxembourg (BNL)'s location, which is due to be moved to a new building in Kirchberg.

Bettel presented the project to the parliamentary commission on culture on Thursday morning. Some MPs expressed scepticism at the need for the national gallery.

"National Gallery" - Powerpoint-Presentation

RTL