The 'Family of Man' collection consists of 503 photographs from 68 countries, originally curated for the Museum of Modern Art in 1955.
Edward Steichen, the curator of the photography exhibit, was born in Luxembourg and served as a photographer for the US Navy during WWII.
The castle was almost entirely destroyed in December 1944 during the Ardennes Counteroffensive.
The Museum of the Battle of the Bulge inside the castle contains a large collection of authentic military uniforms, weapons, and personal items from the conflict.
The castle grounds include a display of miniature replicas showcasing various fortified structures from the Luxembourg region.
Clervaux Castle is a 12th-century defensive fortification situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Clerve valley in the Luxembourg Ardennes. The site now functions as a cultural hub, housing the Family of Man exhibition, a UNESCO Memory of the World collection of photographs curated by Edward Steichen. The building was significantly reconstructed following severe damage during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Its current layout incorporates administrative offices for the municipality, the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge, and a display of medieval castle models. The structure maintains original Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements alongside 20th-century restoration work. Visitors can traverse the courtyard and access the various internal exhibition spaces housed within the thick stone walls.
The viewpoint from the approach road leading up the hill provides the most comprehensive panoramic shot of the castle towers and the town valley.
Allocate time to explore the winding streets of the town of Clervaux immediately surrounding the castle base.
Check the photography exhibits for rotating temporary displays that supplement the permanent Family of Man collection.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the town features significant elevation changes and cobblestone surfaces.
Do not rush through the Family of Man exhibit; the sequence of photos is designed to be viewed as a cohesive narrative rather than individual prints.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
