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Museum · Clervaux, Clervaux
The Family of Man
Exhibition of 503 photographs by 273 photographers from 68 countries, created by Edward Steichen for the MoMA de Nova York in 1955, about human life from birth to death. On permanent display at the castle of Clervaux since 1994.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About The Family of Man
The Family of Man is one of the most-seen photography exhibitions of the 20th century. It was organized by Edward Steichen, a photographer born in Luxembourg who emigrated to the United States as a child and who headed the photography department of the Museu de Arte Moderna de Nova York. Opened there in 1955, it brought together 503 photographs by 273 photographers from 68 countries, famous and unknown, to show what human beings have in common.
The images follow a path through life: love, birth, childhood, work, food, celebration, pain, death, war and hope, with quotations from different cultures between the panels. After Nova York, the exhibition toured more than 150 museums on several continents and was seen by more than 10 million people.
Steichen wanted the collection to stay in his country of origin, and the government of the United States donated it to Luxembourg. Since 1994 the complete version has been on permanent display in the castle of Clervaux, mounted in a way close to the original. In 2003 UNESCO included it in the Memória do Mundo register.
The visit is made in the castle's rooms, in sequence, and requires time to look at the photographs up close. In the same castle are the Museu da Batalha das Ardenas and the exhibition of scale models of Luxembourg's castles, with separate entrances.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the early afternoon, right at opening. The exhibition usually opens Wednesday to Sunday and is closed Monday and Tuesday, with possible winter closure; check before you go.
How to get there
It is in the castle of Clervaux, in the town centre, a 10-minute walk from the train station via Grand-Rue. By car, there is parking in the centre.
Tip
Take your time: the photographs require time. Before entering, read the panel about Steichen to understand the idea behind the exhibition. Then visit the Museu da Batalha das Ardenas in the same castle.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Family of Man
Who was Edward Steichen?
A photographer born in Luxembourg in 1879 who emigrated to the United States as a child; there he was Director of Photography at the Museu de Arte Moderna de Nova York and created The Family of Man.
Why is the exhibition in Clervaux?
Steichen wanted the collection to remain in his country of origin. The U.S. government donated it to Luxembourg, and since 1994 it has been on permanent display in the castle of Clervaux.
How many photographs are in the exhibition?
503 photographs by 273 photographers from 68 countries.
Is the exhibition open every day?
No. It usually opens Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday, with possible winter closures. Check before you go.