Tucked away in the heart of Luxembourg City, Fort Thüngen, also known as the Three Acorns, is a striking blend of military history and contemporary culture. Originally built in 1732, the fort is named after Baron Adam Sigmund von Thüngen, an Austrian commander who strengthened the city’s defenses during the 18th century.
Fort Thüngen: A Glimpse Into Luxembourg’s Military Past
Fort Thüngen was a key part of Luxembourg’s strategic defense system. Located in the Kirchberg district, it once formed part of the wider fortress ring that earned Luxembourg the nickname “Gibraltar of the North.”
Following the Treaty of London in 1867, much of the fort was dismantled as part of the city’s demilitarization. Only the three iconic round towers and foundation walls survived, earning the site its nickname, “Dräi Eechelen” or “Three Acorns”, because of the acorn-shaped caps atop each turret.
Today, the fort has been partially restored, and the Dräi Eechelen Museum housed within the fortress tells the story of Luxembourg’s fortifications and national identity.
Mudam Luxembourg: Where History Meets Modern Art
Adjacent to Fort Thüngen is the Mudam (Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean), one of Luxembourg’s premier cultural institutions. Designed by I. M. Pei, the legendary architect of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, Mudam combines clean, modern lines with historic remnants of the past.
Inaugurated on July 1, 2006, by Grand Duke Jean, the museum features rotating exhibitions of international contemporary art, installations, photography, sculpture, and multimedia works.
Mudam’s glass walls and elegant structure contrast beautifully with the stone fort, creating a unique architectural and cultural juxtaposition.