For 162 days, visitors can delve into the depths of Luxembourg’s nature and agriculture. The exhibition has been in the works since 2012, and after 13 years of planning the national garden exposition finally opened – with approximately 900 people and a colourful program.
Luxembourg City and Ettelbruck offer a 17km long project, which will be open to the public until 18 October – 11km are in the city, 6km can be visited in Ettelbruck. The exhibition was in preparation for months. Despite construction obstacles, everything was finished in time for the grand opening, declares Anne Muller, coordinator of LUGA. She also admitted:
“There’s always difficulties to encounter, without them it would be boring. Up until the final days we were kept on our toes, in order to finish every exhibition. Overall, it was a positive experience though. We were able to work with amazing Luxembourgish businesses.”
LUGA is a communal project supported by a budget of €22 million and many local businesses, intending to bring people closer to nature. However, Anne Muller points out that the work is not done just yet.
“The gardens are now in the hands of the public and they need to grow”, the coordinator explains. “We invite everyone to come witness how the plants flourish and transform throughout the seasons. The important aspect is finding joy in looking after them every day. It is a continuous job.”
The project is constantly evolving. Even Ettelbruck was changed by the addition of the expo, declared the city’s mayor Bob Steichen.
“A lot has happened in Ettelbruck during the past few months, for the curation of our part of LUGA, so many other smaller projects were put in motion. For instance, plants and flowers were planted for the purpose of demonstrating the variety and diversity of Luxembourgish agriculture. We have installed more greenery, trees, which added more life to the city. All in all, the exposition has embellished the city immensely.”
Besides the exhibitions, LUGA also offers local products like Crémant that has been stored in the casemates for over a year. The grand opening for the public will be on Saturday, including food stalls, music, and other activities.
