Contemporary architecture Luxembourg

The European Center, inaugurated in 2005 (25 years after the signing of the Schengen Agreement), was designed by the architectural firm Hermann & Valentiny, and erected close to Schengen Castle. It houses the Europe Direct Information Centre (which consists of a few display units offering a wide range of brochures), the Schengen European Museum and the "An der aler Schwemm" bistro. It formerly housed the tourist information office, which is now located on the pontoon on the Moselle, some ten meters away.

As a platform for exchange for all those involved in architecture, engineering, urban planning, landscape and land-use planning, each year LUCA puts together a wide-ranging program to address the issues and challenges posed today by the production of the built environment. Exhibitions, conferences, debates, study tours, educational workshops and guided tours are just some of the many activities on offer.

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall collapsed with a hammer and circular saw. This was a historic event that made it possible to implement the Schengen Agreement. Nearly 30 years later, only relics of it remain in the German capital and in various parts of Europe. Since 8 February 2010, a 3.60m high section of the Berlin Wall, which was located near the Sony Center at the time, has been erected on the banks of the Moselle River in Schengen, right in front of the European Centre. It embodies the opening and disappearance of European borders

The Columns of Nations, located opposite the European Centre, are the work of architect François Valentiny (who also designed the building of the European Schengen Centre). The first column was erected in 2010 and the other two in 2014. They are almost 9 metres high and bear bronze stars symbolising the countries of the Schengen area. The spaces left free are intended to receive the stars of the countries that will join the European area in the future. On the ground are sealed bronze plaques with the names of the signatory states.

The sculpture E Schlass fir Schengen is a steel portal decorated with twenty-six stars, where visitors can hang padlocks as a sign of belonging to the same community. Each member country of the Schengen Agreement has its own bar. Suitable padlocks are available from the tourist information office for 7.50 euros and can be engraved. However, your own padlock is also welcome.