KACHEN #21 (Winter 2019) English edition

LUXEMBOURG
THE VALENTINY FOUNDATION
A MEETING PLACE FOR ART
AND ARCHITECTURE ALONG
THE MOSELLE RIVER
The Moselle region has more to offer than solely
excellent wines. In the romantic wine town of
Remerschen fans of architecture and art lovers will find
a very special jewel: the Valentiny Foundation. François
Valentiny, one of the best-known Luxembourgish
architects of international renown, has created a
place at the centre of his hometown, which, though
visually striking, harmoniously blends with the existing
buildings.
The Valentiny Foundation was set up, together with
the commune of Schengen, in 2014 and opened in 2016.
Valentiny had already put his recognizable stamp onto
several buildings in his home commune, such as Biodiversum
in Haff Remich, or the youth hostel nearby. The
building of the foundation stands on the site of the former
primary school, which the architect went to as a child. The
building, which is suffused with light still accommodates
the layout of the former school and offers room for the
manifold work of François Valentiny as well as for other
national and international artists.
Besides work by Rob Trier and Roswitha Grützke, the
permanent exhibition, with over 3000 exhibits, offers a
comprehensive overview of the artistic and architectural
work of François Valentiny. Drawings, sketches, models,
and sculptures document the development and artistic
talent of the studied carpenter, who first wanted to be a
painter and then a sculptor, before he started down the
path to capturing the world as architect from the Moselle.
Culture and art for everybody
The goal and task of the foundation goes beyond the
upkeep of an artistic heritage. It aims to advance the
conversation about architecture and especially the development
of future architects. Thus the collaboration with
the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourgish
Association of Architects is accordingly close-knit. But
the general public is also focused on: a mixed programme
of changing exhibits, concerts, readings and talks aims to
contribute actively to the tourism of the border triangle.
Fernand Valentiny, the architect’s brother, is responsible
for the programme. “We make use of the wonderful space
of this building for a multifaceted programme: travel
and film talks, readings, conferences, workshops for children
and much more. Even music is not left out: once a
month we have a concert on Sunday afternoons, and from
January to May 2020 we will organise a cello festival,
with, among others, André Mergenthaler.” Various rooms
can be rented. In the near future a small museum café will
open.
The exhibition is open year round; entrance is free. For
opening hours, information on current exhibits and about
upcoming events, see valentiny-foundation.com
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KACHEN No.21 | WINTER 19