Schengen is alive
The interactive musée européen Schengen shows the development of Europe and lots of interesting facts and background information on the Schengen Agreement in a permanent exhibition in three languages all year round. Visiting the museum without a guide is free of charge during opening hours. In addition, experienced guides offer guided tours and educational activities in the outdoor area under the title "Schengen is alive".
Next to the Europa Museum, the Europe Monument commemorates the historic act of signing the Schengen Agreement. The Tourist Office, a building in the shape of a ship, is also located at the former anchorage of the "Princesse Marie-Astrid". Three mighty steel steles symbolise the origins of Europe with the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Nine further stars are embedded in the ground in front of the monument. The number 12 symbolises completeness and has nothing to do with the number of member states. This is why twelve golden stars on a blue background also adorn the European flag. The stars symbolise solidarity and harmony between the nations, while the circle stands for unity.
The Place des Étoiles (Square of Stars) in front of the museum is dominated by three national pillars with 26 stars, symbolising the individual member states. They can be recognised by the chiselled trademarks of the countries. The 26 flags of the European Schengen countries flutter next to the pillars. "May there be peace on earth" can be read in twelve languages on a peace pole. A few metres away, two original parts of the Berlin Wall stand as a memorial and reminder of the opening and abolition of the borders. Ambassadors have attached personalised padlocks for their countries to the sculpture "E Schlass fir Schengen" (A padlock for Schengen).
