(L-R) Patrick Diederich, Conservation Architect; Marco Schank, President of Musée de l'Ardoise Asbl; Eric Thill, Luxembourg's Minister of Culture; Patrick Sanavia, Director of the National Institute for Architectural Heritage (INPA),;
Credit: MCULT
On Friday 12 June 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture reported that Villa Rother had opened at the Slate Museum (Musée de l'Ardoise) in Haut-Martelange, marking a new stage in the enhancement of the heritage site, which reflects the history of Luxembourg's slate industry.
The opening took place in the presence of Luxembourg's Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, Patrick Sanavia, Director of the National Institute for Architectural Heritage (INPA), Marco Schank, President of Musée de l'Ardoise Asbl and numerous guests.
On this occasion, Minister Thill stated: "With the opening of Villa Rother, visitors can now discover a new aspect of the history of the Haut-Martelange site. This project not only preserves an exceptional industrial heritage, but also makes it more accessible and vibrant for present and future generations."
According to the ministry, the restoration of Villa Rother was carried out in several phases under the supervision of the INPA, respecting historical evidence and preserving the building's authenticity.
The ministry described the restoration as a remarkable example of built heritage conservation. Conducted over several years, the works preserved and restored numerous historical features while adapting the building to its new museum functions. In particular, the winter garden, one of the villa's most emblematic features dating from 1901, underwent a meticulous restoration based on historical and stratigraphic analyses.
Formerly the residence of the owners of the Haut-Martelange slate quarries, Villa Rother now houses new spaces open to the public. A permanent exhibition presents a collection of more than 3,000 photographs by Nic. Molitor, a hotel owner from Bigonville, documenting everyday life in the Ardennes, as well as the history of the Rother family and the slate site during the first half of the twentieth century.
Villa Rother also houses a documentation centre dedicated to Nic. Molitor, allowing members of the public, students and researchers to consult the digitised collection by appointment, as well as an educational space dedicated to historic photography.
The inauguration also featured the official handover of keys to new premises for the Amis de l'Ardoise Asbl association, whose volunteers have contributed for decades to preserving, promoting and bringing the site to life.
According to the ministry, the restoration of Villa Rother forms part of the Slate Museum's development strategy and wider efforts to enhance Haut-Martelange's industrial heritage, notably by strengthening the site's cultural and tourism appeal.
Villa Rother opened to the public on Saturday 13 June 2026 and welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00. Admission is free and no reservation is required.
More information is available on the Slate Museum website.
