Behind Closed Doors

Most areas of the Grand Ducal Palace are normally closed to the public. Until the end of August, however, visitors can once again explore the official residence in Luxembourg City and the workplace of Grand Duke Guillaume. The tour does not begin at the palace entrance, but on Place Guillaume II, where one of the guides from the Luxembourg City Tourist Office first introduces visitors to the history of the Nassau dynasty.[1]

The guide said she explains the palace's architecture, its former role as the town hall, and how it became the Grand Duke's main residence and workplace in the capital. Above all, she wants visitors to gain "a better understanding of the dynasty". Only then do visitors enter the building through the so-called Baden wing, one of the building's historic sections. The first stop is the Salle de la Balance, where the windows bear the monograms of the grand dukes and grand duchesses who have occupied the Luxembourg throne since Grand Duke Adolphe. The tour then continues into the oldest part of the palace.[1]

Visitors are shown the Salle d'Armes, with its collection of pistols and rifles, before moving on to the Galerie d'Honneur and its grand staircase. The guide said guests are always particularly impressed by "the beautiful green vases made of malachite". From the gallery, visitors can look into the ballroom, dining room, and several adjoining rooms. While the ballroom is usually the main highlight, she said visitors are especially eager this year to see "the new portraits of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie".[1]

Ten tours are held every day in four different languages. The opportunity to see behind doors that are usually closed to the public has proved popular with visitors. One visitor said they had already hoped to attend the previous year but had been unable to secure tickets. After obtaining the last available tickets this year, they took the opportunity.[1]

The palace was the town hall. The town hall became the residence. The residence has a Salle de la Balance with monograms on the windows. The monograms go back to Grand Duke Adolphe. The Salle d'Armes has pistols and rifles. The Galerie d'Honneur has a grand staircase and green malachite vases. The ballroom is the main highlight. This year the highlight is the new portraits. Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie. Ten tours a day. Four languages. Until the end of August. Last year was sold out. This year is sold out. The doors are usually closed. The doors are open for six weeks. The visitors come. The guide talks about the dynasty. The dynasty started with Adolphe. The monograms are on the windows. The portraits are new. The vases are green. The doors close at the end of August.[1]