7 must-see museums in Colmar
Colmar is a charming town, known for its half-timbered houses, canals and typical Alsatian atmosphere. But did you know that the city is also home to several interesting museums? Whether you're a lover of art, history or local culture, here are the museums not to be missed on your visit to Colmar.
Summary
- 1. Unterlinden Museum – Colmar’s Must-See Masterpiece
- 2. Toy Museum – A Family Outing in Colmar
- 3. Bartholdi Museum – In the Footsteps of the Sculptor of the Statue of Liberty
- 4. Hansi Village & Museum – A Journey Back in Time to Old Alsace
- 5. Choco-Story – The Chocolate Museum in Colmar
- 6. Vino Storia – The Alsace Wine Museum in Colmar
- 7. Dominican Library – A Free and Little-Known Museum Tour
- What You Need to Know About Colmar's Museums
- Frequently Asked Questions About Colmar's Museums
The essentials at a glance
- 🏛️ Location: 7 museums, all within a 15-minute walk of Colmar’s historic center.
- ⏳ Recommended duration: half a day for 2 to 3 museums, a full day to see them all.
- 👥 Audience: families, couples, and lovers of both art and fine food.
- 💶 Cost: Free (Dominican Library) to €15 per museum that charges an admission fee.
1. Unterlinden Museum – Colmar’s Must-See Masterpiece
The Unterlinden Museum is Colmar’s flagship museum. Housed in a former Dominican convent, it features an impressive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to modern art. Its masterpiece? The Issenheim Altarpiece, an exceptional work from the Renaissance. But that’s not all: it also features paintings by the great masters, sculptures, and works of art. A must-see museum if you love art history!
📍 Place Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View the Unterlinden Museum’s hours
2. Toy Museum – A Family Outing in Colmar
The perfect museum for a family outing! The Colmar Toy Museum features a diverse collection of toys from past and present: dolls, model trains, board games… All presented in a well-designed exhibition that will delight visitors of all ages. Because yes, adults will also feel like kids again: we bet that, just like us, you’ll be moved to exclaim with emotion when you see the toys that were a part of your childhood!
🚂 Tip: The train model takes up the entire second floor—a good landmark if you’re visiting with kids who are starting to get restless.
📍 40 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View the Toy Museum’s hours
3. Bartholdi Museum – In the Footsteps of the Sculptor of the Statue of Liberty
Did you know that Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, was born in Colmar? His former home has been turned into a museum dedicated to his work. There, you’ll find models, sculptures, and documents chronicling his career. This museum will appeal to anyone interested in history and sculpture. And if you want to see the Statue of Liberty, there’s one right in the middle of a roundabout at the entrance to Colmar 😉
♿ Please note: The museum is not accessible to strollers or people with limited mobility (the exhibition spans three levels and there is no elevator).
📍 30 rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View the Bartholdi Museum’s hours
4. Hansi Village & Museum – A Journey Back in Time to Old Alsace
Jean-Jacques Waltz, known as Hansi, was an Alsatian illustrator famous for his drawings depicting life in Alsace in the early 20th century. The Hansi Village retraces his work and immerses visitors in an idealized Alsace, full of color and tradition. A short but charming visit that will appeal to lovers of regional culture as well as history, since the political context plays an important role in Hansi’s drawings.
👶 Tip: Admission is free for children 5 and under, and at a reduced rate for children 13 and under.
📍 28 rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View the Hansi Village hours
5. Choco-Story – The Chocolate Museum in Colmar
Calling all foodies! Choco-Story Colmar is a museum dedicated to chocolate in all its forms. Here, you can learn about the history of cocoa, chocolate-making techniques, and, of course, sample different varieties of chocolate. It’s a fun, immersive experience perfect for the whole family.
🎟️ Please note: Admission is combined with Vino Storia (the Alsace Wine Museum)—be sure to specify at the ticket window which museum you’d like to visit.
📍 12 Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View Choco-Story’s hours
6. Vino Storia – The Alsace Wine Museum in Colmar
Located in downtown Colmar, right next to Choco-Story, Vino Storia (the Alsace Wine Museum) is a newly opened museum that offers an immersive exploration of the region’s wine history and traditions. Through an interactive tour, visitors learn about the region’s iconic grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and the importance of wine in Alsatian culture. The tour, enhanced by an audio guide available in several languages, concludes with a tasting of wines or grape juice.
🍷 Tip: The final tasting (3 wines or grape juice, depending on your choice) is included with your admission ticket.
📍 12 Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View Vino Storia’s hours
Also on the blog
7. Dominican Library – A Free and Little-Known Museum Tour
The Dominican Library is more than just a place to read. It also offers a museum tour that allows visitors to explore its heritage collections, housed in a stunning, fully renovated Gothic building. Illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, antique maps… Visitors are immersed in several centuries of book history through a carefully curated and educational display. It’s a quiet and fascinating place, somewhat off the beaten path of traditional tourist routes.
🆓 Great deal: This is the only one of the 7 places on this list that’s completely free—perfect for wrapping up the day without breaking the bank.
📍 1 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance, 68000 Colmar – 🔗 View the opening hours of the Bibliothèque des Dominicains
What You Need to Know About Colmar’s Museums
- Colmar has museums for every taste: art, toys, chocolate, wine, and history
- The Dominican Library is the only completely free attraction on this list
- Allow half a day to visit 2 to 3 museums, and a full day to see them all
- Each museum has its own day off—check the hours before you go
To make the most of your stay, check out my guide to 12 things to do in Colmar!
Frequently Asked Questions About Colmar’s Museums
What is the must-see museum in Colmar?
The Unterlinden Museum is the city’s most visited museum, particularly for Grünewald’s Issenheim Altarpiece.
Which museums should you visit in Colmar with children?
The Toy Museum and Choco-Story are best suited for families with young children.
Is there a free museum in Colmar?
Yes, admission to the museum tour at the Dominican Library is free and open to the public.
How much time should I set aside to visit the museums in Colmar?
Allow half a day to visit 2 to 3 museums, and a full day if you want to see them all.
Are all the museums in Colmar open on the same day?
No: The Unterlinden Museum is closed on Tuesdays, the Bartholdi Museum is closed on Mondays, and the Dominican Library is closed on Sundays. It’s best to check each museum’s hours before you go.