“On the Thread of Shared Traditions”

17th of January – 6th of April 2025

The Exhibition On the Thread of Shared Traditions is based on the historic bond between Luxembourg and the Saxon communities from Transylvania, both regions sharing common Germanic grounds. The colonization of the Saxons in Transylvania in the 12th and 13th centuries, originating from the regions of the Lower Rine and Moselle emphasize the direct connection with the nowadays area of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This migration deeply influenced the cultural and urban identity of the Transylvanian cities such Sibiu.

The exhibitional concept is inspired by the shared heraldic traditions between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Sibiu, city of Transylvania, Romania. In this context, the motif of the lion from the dinasty heraldry of the Limburg-Arlon House of Luxembourg, becomes a symbolic element of the cultural bonds. The lion along the gryphon, the double-headed eagle, the lily and the pomegranate represents in ornamentics essential universal symbols of power, authority and prosperity.

All these decorative elements are illustrated through 65 artifacts, enlisted in Thesaurus and Fund categories, such: embroideries, interior textiles, pieces of clothing, stove tiles and ceramics vessels, painted furniture and pieces of jewelry from ASTRA Museum’s Collection, being contextualized by the specialists of the museum from Sibiu providing additional information. Along with these, the exhibition also includes collection photographs that render the atmposphere of the traditional Saxon communities of the 20th and 21th centuries. The exhibitional concept emphasizes the significance of the symbols into the traditional culture and art, inviting the visitors to explore the beauty of the Saxon craftmanship from Transylvania.

Visiting hours : January – February: 10.00 – 16.00

March: 10.00 – 17.00

April: 10.00 – 18.00

This exhibition is organized due to the collaboration between ASTRA National Museum Complex from Sibiu, Embassy of Romania in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Romanian Cultural Institute from Luxembourg, Association Les Amis du Château de Vianden a.s.b.l.

ASTRA Museum’s projects are possible by Sibiu County Council financing.

Exhibition concept: Camelia Ștefan, Ph. D. Simona Malearov

Scientific input: Ph. D. Mirela Crețu

Colaborators: Ph. D Karla Roșca, Alina Matei, Iulia Teodorescu, Ph.D. Raluca Frîncu, Ph. D. Ilie Moise, Ph. D. Constantin Ittu

Exhibition commissioner: Iulia Teodorescu

On site assembly: Iulia Teodorescu

Photographs: ASTRA Museum’s Archive, Brukenthal Museum’a Collection, Silviu Popa, Simona Malearov, Camelia Ștefan

Layout: Silviu Popa

Conservators: Marioara Pascu, Doina Halcea

English Translation: Dana Bercu, Teodora Verza