At the intersection of nature, tourism, and contemporary creativity in the Müllerthal, Gallery Mecenas is a unique initiative to transform a traditional 19th-century barn at Camping Belle-Vue 2000 into a vibrant, living art gallery. What began as a pilot project in May 2025 has already become a cultural highlight for our guests and a promising hub for the region’s artistic life.
The idea for Gallery Mecenas emerged from a desire to offer something more meaningful to our visitors—an experience that would linger not just in their memories, but in their hearts. We launched our first exhibition with the works of Paul Moutschen, a long-term guest at our campsite who re-launched his artist career after a prolonged Covid break. His diverse compositions (132 different canvases) found a fitting home in the rustic charm of the renovated barn, whose wooden beams and stone walls offer a timeless backdrop for contemporary art.
What surprised and delighted us was the spontaneous reaction of our guests. Families, hikers, and travelers—many of whom had never planned to visit an art gallery—wandered into the space and were captivated. What began as a quiet, local experiment became a conversation starter, a gathering point, and a new way to experience culture in the countryside. The fusion of camping simplicity with artistic sophistication created a special kind of magic.
Gallery Mecenas is more than just an exhibition space. It is a living gallery, rooted in the spirit of participation and creative exchange. Most of the artworks on display were created directly at the campsite by Paul Moutschen, which made the connection to our location even more seamless. Afterwards, we started encouraging our artistic guests not only to exhibit, but to create on-site—drawing inspiration from the forested hills, peaceful atmosphere, and multicultural community that gathers at Camping Belle-Vue. This approach fosters authentic engagement, where art is not imported but grows organically from the environment and the people who pass through it.
The barn itself is a character in the story. Built in the 19th century, it represents a link to the past and a deep respect for rural heritage. Rather than renovate it beyond recognition, we preserved its original structure and materials, letting its natural textures speak for themselves. Inside, the exhibition is staged with a modern eye—clean lines, thoughtful lighting, and minimal interference with the rustic shell. The result is a contrast that feels both cool and authentic, blending the timelessness of old stone with the freshness of new ideas.
Looking forward, we envision Gallery Mecenas as a cultural hotspot for the region—a place where travelers, artists, and locals come together in dialogue. Plans are underway for seasonal exhibitions, artist residencies, and collaborative workshops. As a tourist destination, it offers visitors more than just a night under the stars—it invites them into a story of creativity, heritage, and human connection.
In a world where tourism often becomes standardized, Gallery Mecenas is a reminder of the value of the unexpected. It demonstrates that even in a small village, within a simple campsite, art can thrive—and guests will respond with curiosity, appreciation, and joy.
That being said, Gallery Mecenas is still in its development phase, and the strong positive feedback from our first visitors has encouraged us to lay solid foundations for its future. We have recently created a non-profit association (ASBL) to manage the project with a clear cultural and educational mission. Our dedicated website and our first curated autumn program are currently in the making, with plans to expand our collaborations and welcome more guest artists and cultural events. We are excited to take Gallery Mecenas into its next phase, building on this early momentum to establish a lasting, meaningful presence in Luxembourg’s cultural landscape.