Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien)

The basics

Exploring the museum takes visitors on a journey through the region’s culture and history, from the rural farms and vineyards of the Vosges Mountains to the homes and craftsman workshops of medieval Strasbourg and Colmar. Period furniture and clothing, ceramics, toys, and household items make up the bulk of the collection, which spans the 14th to 19th centuries. There are also exhibits devoted to wine production, carpentry, rope-making, art, and handicrafts.

Things to know before you go

• The museum makes a fun addition to any cultural itinerary and is popular with kids.

• There is an admission fee to visit the museum, but entry is free for children under 18 years old. Entry is free with the Strasbourg City Card.

• The museum’s exhibitions are mostly displayed in French, English, and German, although some descriptions are in French only.

How to get there

The Alsatian Museum is located along the south bank of the River Ill, just outside the Grande-Île. It’s easy to reach the museum on foot from the Grande-Île, and is about a 5-minute walk from Strasbourg Cathedral across the Raven Bridge (Pont du Corbeau). Alternatively, take tram A or D to the Porte de l’Hôpital stop, a 2-minute walk away.

When to get there

The small museum rarely gets overcrowded, but it’s most popular on weekends. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for an hour for lunch on days when it is open; check the official website for operating hours. Advance bookings aren’t required except for large groups.

Museums of Strasbourg

Once you’ve dived into Alsatian culture at the Alsatian Museum, head across the river to the Historical Museum to learn more about Strasbourg’s fascinating history. Nearby, art lovers will find the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum clustered around Strasbourg Cathedral. Or, check out the Archeological Museum, housed in the grand Rohan Palace.