NEWS
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5. 1. Dans la Rotonde 1, l’ancien restaurant Serre bleue devient une plateforme qui accueillera des conférences, projections et autres événements. In Rotunda 1, the former Serre bleue restaurant is being repurposed as a platform for conferences, projections and other events.
AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF BUILDING WORK AND A LOT OF BUDGETARY WRANGLING, THE ROTUNDAS ARE FINALLY ABOUT TO REOPEN TO HOST THEIR EVER-GROWING AUDIENCES IN LARGE, WELL-DESIGNED SPACES. BUT FIRST, THERE WILL BE A WEEKEND CELEBRATION ON 13 AND 14 JUNE.
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t was in the course of Luxembourg’s second stint as European Capital of Culture in 2007 that this former site of sheds and workshops for steam locomotives, which was later used as a bus depot by CFL, was converted into a cultural space. Since then, many initiatives that saw the light in 2007 have been consolidated and perpetuated via Carrérotondes, a transitional organisation dedicated to the promotion of art and artistic creativity. On 13 and 14 June, this transitional organisation will turn into a full-blown cultural centre known as “Les Rotondes”, which will be permanently based at the rotundas, on a site refurbished by the Teisen-Giesler architects’ practice, focusing on the production and promotion of live performances, contemporary music and the visual arts, with strong links to socio-cultural associations and charities. To mark this transformation, the rotundas will be unveiling a new logo designed by Comed communication agency.
Two rotundas, two themes Thanks to a meticulous restoration, Rotunda 1 will now be able to host stage arts shows for young audiences, and also for adult audiences. A new semi-circular seating plan which can accommodate 350 children has been installed, significantly increasing the capacity for children’s shows and enabling the venue to meet the strong demand for such entertainment. On occasion, the lateral gallery will be opened for exhibitions by up-and-coming artists, innovative events and private hire. The structure of the former Serre bleue restaurant has been reused as a platform to host conferences, projections and meetings to discuss matters of social relevance. In summer, while the shows
2. Les Rotondes sont classées comme monuments nationaux et font donc partie à part entière du patrimoine luxembourgeois. The rotundas are listed buildings and thus form part of Luxembourg’s heritage.
are in recess, the beautiful spaces of the Rotunda will be given over to exhibitions. Due to a lack of funding, Rotunda 2 could not be refurbished. It has been left in shell condition, and is occupied by a wooden container, which will host the Klub, a venue dedicated to popular music, and a kiosk selling refreshments all day long and in the evenings, with a brasserie service, run by Bouneweger Stuff. The venue will also offer brunches on Sundays, and tables will spill out onto an outdoor terrace, weather permitting. There is also an “aquarium” for art installations, and a space set aside for video projections.
Container city Located between the two rotundas, the container city consists of a number of former containers of the European School which have been fitted out to host various activities: the Black Box for intimate shows, as well as three workshop and practice rooms for participatory projects. Cultural start-ups will have access to a temporary project room. Finally, the recording studios of Radio ARA/Graffiti will be housed in this environment keeping with the spirit of these young and community-oriented radio stations. After the complete refurbishment of Rotunda 2, which is scheduled for 2017, the activities currently hosted temporarily in the containers will be relocated to the second rotunda. The entrance to the site will also be marked by a new urban square, with a new bus stop. Eventually, visitors will also be able to enjoy a children’s playground and an urban gardening space. But that will still take some time.
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ELISABETH’S CITY MAGAZINE LUXEMBOURG
3. La grande salle bénéficie d’un important dispositif scénique avec scène mobile et installation lumino-acoustique complète. The great auditorium has an extensive set system with a mobile stage and a full light-sound system. 4. La Rotonde 1 a fait l’objet d’un vaste programme de rénovation et pourra de nouveau accueillir le public. Rotunda 1 has undergone an extensive refurbishment to enable it to host shows for audiences of all ages. 5. Les Brésiliens Suaveciclo parcourront les rues de la ville sur des vélos équipés de vidéoprojecteurs pour animer les murs une fois la nuit tombée. Brazil’s Suaveciclo will be roaming the streets of the city on bicycles fitted with video projectors to bring the walls to life after dark.
Place des Rotondes, L-2448 Luxembourg-Bonnevoie
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