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Grand-Ducal Palace |
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The Grand-Ducal Palace, in the historic centre of the city of Luxembourg, is the official residence of the Grand Duke. Although the grand-ducal family actually live at Berg Castle, the Grand-Ducal Palace is the seat of the Court and is where the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess spend their working day. It is also the venue for state ceremonies and official receptions.
Historical Background
The present building originates from 1572, when it was built as the Town Hall by Adam Roberti. It was renovated in 1728 and extended in 1741, before becoming the Prefecture of the Forests in 1795, during the French administration of Luxembourg. |
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From 1817, the palace became the residence of the Governor, the representative of the Dutch Grand Dukes. As such, it was used by Prince Henri of the Netherlands, during his time as Lieutenant-Representive of Luxembourg. The interior was renovated in 1883, in preparation of a visit by King Grand Duke William III and his wife, Queen Grand Duchess Emma. |
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With the accession of the House of Nassau in 1890, the palace was reserved exclusively for the Grand Duke and his family. Under Grand Duke Adolphe, it was comprehensively renovated and a new wing, containined family rooms and guest accommodation, was built by the Belgian architect Bordiau and the Luxembourg state architect, Charles Arendt. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess before a state banquet in honour of the President of Slovakia and his wife |
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During the Second World War, the Grand-Ducal Palace was used by the Nazis as a concert hall and tavern. Extensive damage was done and much of the palace's furniture and art collections was ruined. With the return of Grand Duchess Charlotte from exile in 1945, the palace once again became the seat of the Grand-Ducal Court.
Under the supervision of Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte, the palace was redecorated during the 1960s. It was thoroughly restored between 1991 and 1996. |
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The Palace Today
As the official residence of the Grand Duke, the palace is used by him in the exercise of his official functions. He and the Grand Duchess, together with their staff, have their offices at the palace, and the state rooms on the first floor are used for a variety of meetings and audiences. On Christmas Eve, the Grand Duke's Christmas message is broadcast from the Yellow Room. |
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Foreign heads of state are accommodated at the palace, as guests of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, during official visits to Luxembourg, and the Ballroom is the setting for state banquets in their honour. Throughout the year, numerous other receptions take place at the palace, such as the New Year's reception given for members of the Government and the Chamber of Deputies. |
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Photo: The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess with their children in the Yellow Room at Christmas 2002 |
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The state rooms of the Grand-Ducal Palace are open to the public during the summer, when tours are organised through the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.
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Photo: The facade of the Grand-Ducal Palace seen from the Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes |
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