WELCOME TO THIS YEAR’S EDITION OF OUR EUROPEAN HERITAGE WEEKS PROJECT:
HIDDEN STORIES OF PRIVATE HISTORIC HOUSES
Drawing on the success of its previous virtual projects, the European Historic Houses Association has decided to continue this year with a new virtual edition of its European Heritage Weeks project called Hidden Stories of Private Historic Houses. This edition aims at celebrating the value of historic houses and the hard work of their owners. But most importantly, it is an opportunity to show the world what makes these homes so special in a way that is accessible to everyone across the globe.
For this project, the intention is to showcase videos made by historic house owners that will guide the audience through private historic houses and their special activities (i.e. a farm, gardens, a distillery, special events, markets, fairs, exhibitions, markets etc.). During the virtual visit, owners will be encouraged to present the history and importance of their private heritage, the hard work it takes to keep it alive and what makes it so unique. Moreover, this project is an occasion to show to European citizens the essential role of private owners in the maintenance and dynamism of Europe’s heritage.
One video will be released each Saturday from the 16th of April until the 14th of May.
Our first participants
- Hidden Stories of Private Historic Houses: “Floralia Brussels” at The Grand Bigard Castle
For the first week of this year’s edition of our European Heritage Weeks project, we visited the Grand Bigard Castle and its annual Floralia festival, a perfect setting to welcome the wonderful spring and its beautiful tulips!
2. Hidden Stories of Private Historic Houses: Castle Blatná
For the second week of this year’s edition of our European Heritage Weeks project, we are taking you to Castle Blatná in the Czech Republic. In this video, you can appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of the castle, as well as its beautiful Easter festival.
3. Hidden Stories of Private Historic Houses: Palais Bülow
For the second week of this year’s edition of our European Heritage Weeks project, we are taking you to Palais Bülow in Ludwigslust, Germany. In this video, you can appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of the castle, as well as its remarkable collection of “papiermaché” artwork.
The Palais Bülow is a representative house in Ludwigslust – a small baroque town between Berlin and Hamburg. The house was built in 1830 by the duke for one of his ministers and was decorated with “Ludwigsluster Papiermaché”. Today the Palais Bülow is home to a remarkable collection of the historic “Ludwigsluster Papiermaché” which was famous throughout Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Ludwigsluster Carton-Fabrique”, which produced the papermaché, produced statues and busts – unique and in demand around castles and among the upper classes. Some of the figurative art works were even robust enough to stand outdoors and withstand the northern German weather. Some of those great pieces now found their way back to the Palais Bülow. It is possible to visit the house. In guided tours, visitors can explore the great history of the Palais Bülow and discover the private as well as the representative rooms and the banquet hall. In the new Papiermaché manufactory, guests can experience the “Ludwigsluster Papiermaché” and make their souvenirs.