GRIDX, a new 42,000-square-metre multi-experience complex in Wickrange combining food, retail, leisure, and culture, opens its first phase this week, with further museums, shops, and event spaces to follow by 2026.
Although the complex is still far from complete, the developers chose not to wait any longer and will instead open GRIDX in stages. The restaurant zone has been operating since 1 September, while Thursday will mark the official launch of the first phase. Later stages will see more shops and event spaces opening their doors.
Manager Alex Giorgetti explained that the September phase covers the first floor, known as the "Arena level", adding that in November, two museums will follow: a digital museum and an automotive museum.
Giorgetti noted that the major retail space Engelhorn, spanning over 5,000 square metres, is scheduled to open in March. By then, he said, most of the site should be up and running in full celebration mode.
Delighting car enthusiasts
The concept aims to provide visitors with everything from sport and wellness to karaoke, food halls, fashion outlets, and art galleries.
Car enthusiasts will find something unique too: two glass garages where oldtimers can be stored, plus the upcoming "Galerie d’Art Mobile": a car museum and showroom. Its first exhibition in November will showcase former F1 racer Ayrton Senna's collection, including his karts and Formula 1 cars.
Giorgetti noted that around 20 to 30 vehicles would be on display at a time, with 750 square metres dedicated to rotating exhibitions every six months. He explained that special marques rarely seen in Luxembourg, such as Koenigsegg, Pagani, or RUF, are also planned.
Restaurants and staff
The food hall is already open, serving everything from burgers to Asian dishes. Giorgetti said the ambition was to offer fast food of high quality at fair prices, particularly with the 1,000 staff expected to work on-site and in need of affordable lunch options.
Currently, around 60 people are employed in the restaurant section, half of whom were recruited via the employment agency ADEM.
Giorgetti admitted he had been surprised by the enthusiasm of some of the new recruits, who had not previously imagined working in a kitchen but were now thriving. Customers, he added, often remarked on how cheerful the staff were, which he considered a real success.
A new home for the hotel school
For students at the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) living in the south of Luxembourg, the journey to the main campus in Diekirch had been long, but that will partially change, as a second campus has now opened in Wickrange.
Around 50 students will begin their theory classes there this Wednesday, though they will continue to travel to Diekirch for practical training at least until next year.
A preview weekend
While the complex will not be fully complete until at least March 2026, the opening weekend will be marked with celebrations. Visitors can expect a food hall happy hour, prize competitions, and evening parties featuring DJs and dancers from Ibiza. On Saturday and Sunday, daytime programmes will be tailored for families and children.
A bold, debated project
The ambitious project has not escaped criticism. Some commentators have questioned its architecture and eclectic concept, where visitors could, in future, drive in for a technical inspection, undergo a blood test, shop for designer clothing, sing karaoke, and dine with friends all in the same place.
Giorgetti, however, remained optimistic, stressing that staff and contractors were giving their all to be ready for Thursday, and that he was eager to hear what visitors thought once the site opened.
