© Annick Goerens
In conversation with RTL Radio on Thursday morning, newly appointed National Museum of Archeology, History, and Art (MNAHA) director Tania Brugnoni has unveiled plans for major renovations, new exhibitions, and stronger public engagement through social media and crowdfunding.
Brugnoni explained that the MNAHA is more than just the central museum site on the Fish Market in Luxembourg City: it also encompasses the Musée Dräi Eechelen, the Roman villa in Echternach, and two research centres, namely the Centre for the Documentation of Luxembourg's Fortress and the Luxembourg Art Archive.
Renovation works
She acknowledged that the buildings have aged and require substantial maintenance. This applies in particular to the archaeology section, spread across five floors built into the rock, she said. While Brugnoni hopes the museum will never have to close completely, Brugnoni noted that even if 2,000m² were temporarily shut for works, visitors would still have access to 5,000m² of exhibition space.
Turning to the forecourt at the Fish Market, Brugnoni said she would welcome more greenery, especially in summer heat, but stressed that care must be taken as exhibition rooms lie directly beneath. The square is also a key site for public events: for example, during Luxembourg Art Week, a sculpture will be installed there, she said.
Access and social media
Making culture more accessible to the wider public is one of her central priorities. She argued that museums must meet people "where they are", whether at home or on their mobile phones, by telling compelling stories through new forms of mediation. Social media, she stressed, plays an increasingly important role.
As an example, Brugnoni explained that the MNAHA recently posted a reel about the Picasso painting held in Luxembourg. A young art historian explained the history of the work, and the video unexpectedly drew large numbers of young visitors to the museum, she said, adding that this confirmed her belief that innovative, digital storytelling can spark fresh interest.
Budget and collections
On the question of resources, Brugnoni admitted that cultural budgets never feel sufficient. Yet she also underlined Luxembourg's privileged position compared to neighbouring countries, pointing to Belgium where the culture budget for museums has been cut by 10%. In Luxembourg, there is hope for further increases, which would allow the museum to expand the national collection and address gaps in its holdings, she said. Brugnoni also highlighted that a national storage facility for cultural heritage is also under consideration by the Ministry of Culture, with the aim of ensuring long-term conservation.
Participation and crowdfunding
Brugnoni recalled that the museum once turned to crowdfunding to secure the painting 'Champion' by Joseph Kutter, after its private owner decided to sell. At the time, the museum's budget was insufficient, and her predecessor Michel Polfer launched a public appeal. The initiative proved highly successful, allowing the work to be acquired for the national collection while also giving citizens the feeling of playing an active role in preserving cultural heritage. Brugnoni said similar initiatives could well be envisaged again in future, should the need arise.
Programming
She emphasised that the museum is also planning a series of major exhibitions. From mid-2026, visitors can expect a showcase on the Art Nouveau period in Luxembourg, she said. Shortly afterwards, a monographic exhibition will highlight the early-20th-century Luxembourgish artist Berthe Brincour, who was last exhibited at the State Museum in 1946, Brugnoni explained. She said she was particularly proud to bring Brincour's work back into focus, noting that it felt especially meaningful as a woman to shine a light on this female artist.
