(CS) The Musée dräi Eechelen, located in Kirchberg below the Mudam, is set to open its doors on July 13 with a special weekend of family fun and activities planned for the long-awaited opening.

Some 15 years ago it was decided that the old fort should be turned into a museum. But how exactly remained a much-debated issue over the years. Plans to incorporate the exhibition space into the Mudam were rejected, and over the years several parliamentary debates led to extensions of the budget and many voices chiming in on a public polemic on the building.

But now the wait is over and the renovated Dräi Eechelen fort will serve as a museum on Luxembourg's fortresses, its history but also its identity.

1443 and 1903 as defining moments

Hundreds of original objects, from letters and lithographs to uniforms and even a real guillotine, show the history of the Grand Duchy from 1443 to 1903, with both years playing a defining role for Luxembourg as a fortress city. Some 400 years of occupation were started by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in 1443, and the Pont Adolphe in 1903 saw the cityscape and the role of the fortress forever changed.

Luxembourg's history as a country is then almost inextricably linked to its position among its neighbours and within Europe, an aspect that is also acknowledged in the permanent exhibit.

But who, then, are the people living in Luxembourg? The University of Luxembourg's research department IPSE (Identités socio-culturelles et politiques identitaires) has tackled this question in the first temporary exhibit “My home is my castle”.

Special opening weekend starting July 13

All of this will be open to the public starting July 13, with a special opening weekend with food, drink and activities planned. Entry to both the Musée dräi Eechelen and the Mudam will be free. The Dräi Eechelen will be open until 8pm with activities in the park until 9pm from Friday to Sunday.

Several bands will be playing on two stages installed for the weekend, including the philharmonic orchestra. A tombola with lots of special prices up for grabs will also await visitors.

Audio guides will be available in German, French, Luxembourgish and English. Museum texts will be offered in up to five languages, sometimes but not always including English and also Portuguese.

Entry to the museum will remain free until the end of the year, and more activities await, such as a historical village installed for children between September 1 to 16, offering kids the chance to get a glimpse of what life was like in Napoleonic times.

For more information visit m3e.public.lu