Small but Beautiful - Treasures of Cultural Heritage from Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, briefly named as Luxembourg, is widely known for "pocket kingdom" or "country of thousands of castles". With an area of 2,586 square kilometers, this small country is landlocked by Belgium, Germany, and France. It has always been an important military fortress in European history. Its beautiful nature and numerous castles create Luxembourg a country with delightful and unique scenery. The turbulent past of the Grand Duchy is a true mirror of European history. Nowadays, it is a founding member of the European Union and the largest fund management center in Europe, as well as the second largest fund management center in the world.

China and Luxembourg have been engaging in friendly exchanges for a long time and made remarkable achievements. The opening of the first Zhengzhou-Luxembourg international air cargo route in 2014 has established the "Air Silk Road" for China-EU connectivity and has become a characteristic brand for continuing to develop the "Belt and Road Initiative". This exhibition is a cultural exchange project of "Small but Beautiful" under such an international cooperation background.

This exhibition of 210 pieces (sets) treasures from the collection of the National Museum for Archaeology, History and Art, Luxembourg, will provide a glimpse into the history of Luxembourg from the Prehistoric era to the present, with emphasis on the development of multi-culture and economy of this fascinating country.

Chapter 1 Luxembourg in Prehistory and Ancient Era

The current geographical and political model of the Grand Duchy is a creation of 19^th century diplomacy. In fact, it proves to have a longer history. The first human beings appeared in Luxembourg can be traced back to late Paleolithic period, after the Neolithic Age, the areas of human activity became more and more extensive. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, the continuous advancement of metal processing technology stimulated fundamental changes in society. Settlements with urban characteristics appeared, and the development of the economy, politics, religion, and trade in the Luxembourg region accelerated. Later, it became part of the Roman Empire for more than four centuries, ushering in the first peak of its material and spiritual culture.

Chapter 2  Luxembourg in the Middle ages

With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Europe entered the fragmented "Middle Ages". During this period, emperors and kings wielded temporal power. Imperial and royal estates were managed by both ecclesiastical and secular nobility. The nobility and the clergy managed to acquire lands, built castles, issued coins, levied taxes, set up their own court system and raised their own armies. Luxembourg experienced multiple changes in political power in the long Middle Ages.

The remains, such as old currency, oil paintings, and different types of living utensils from the rule of the Frankish Kingdom, the Roman Empire, and the Duchy of Burgundy, indicated the authority of the royal Luxembourg families, and the social conditions at that time.

Chapter 3  Luxembourg in modern times

In modern times, Luxembourg has remained an important stronghold that European powers competed for. Experiencing the long-term continuous war, and ruled by the Dutch, Spanish, French, and other European powers, the development of Luxembourg had been hindered. It also progressively shaped Luxembourg into one of the most renowned fortresses in Europe, becoming a veritable "Gibraltar of the North".

Until the middle and late period of 19^th century, Luxembourg became a sovereign state and received peace and development. For economy, Luxembourg continued to accumulate wealth thanks to its development on industries of steel , finance and service; For culture, Luxembourg built its own cultural connotation in combination of German, France and Belgium culture; For diplomatic policy, Luxembourg give up neutrality after the Second World War and became the founding member of various multilateral organizations. Nowadays, Luxembourg has developed into an open and pluralistic society, and this affluent and energetic "pocket kingdom" sparkles in Europe like a gemstone.

It is expected this exhibition will provide audiences with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Luxembourg, bring the two countries closer, further cultural exchanges and mutual learning, and jointly contribute to China and Luxembourg carrying forward the Silk Road spirit in the new era.