Which museums to visit in Mulhouse?

1. Musée national de l’Automobile de Mulhouse – Schlumpf Collection

The Musée national de l’automobile is Mulhouse’s most famous museum, and for good reason: it’s one of the biggest automobile museums in the world!

It houses an exceptional collection of over 400 cars, including iconic models from prestigious brands such as Bugatti, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari. The museum offers an immersive journey through the history of the automobile, with luxury, racing and collector cars, as well as interactive animations, on-track demonstrations and temporary exhibitions.

A must-see for car enthusiasts and others alike , as it’s a really beautiful place. I really enjoyed discovering it, even though I’m not a car enthusiast.

2. Museum of Textile Printing (MISE)

The Musée de l’Impression sur Étoffes de Mulhouse is dedicated to the history and techniques of textile printing, a skill that has had a profound impact on the city’s economic development since the 18th century. It houses an impressive collection of over 6 million motifs, illustrating the evolution of textile styles and techniques, from Mulhouse to the rest of the world.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum offers interactive workshops and demonstrations to make the experience both fun and educational. Temporary exhibitions also feature collaborations with contemporary designers, enriching the visit with modern artistic perspectives. A museum I really like , and well worth a visit!

3. Cité du Train – SNCF heritage

The Cité du Train in Mulhouse is Europe’s largest railway museum, a veritable treasure trove for history and technology enthusiasts. The museum traces the history of the railroads in France from their beginnings in the 19th century to the present day, and exhibits an impressive collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, as well as historic wagons, some of which are unique.

The museum is divided into a number of themed sections, including a “show trail” that plunges visitors into different eras through lively re-enactments, as well as the “Quays of History” , offering a chronological panorama of the evolution of trains from 1844 to the present day.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Cité du Train regularly organizes events, temporary exhibitions and demonstrations of machines in action. It’s an interactive, educational place that appeals not only to train enthusiasts, but also to families and adults!

4. EDF Electropolis Museum

Mulhouse’s Electropolis Museum is a unique place dedicated to the history of electricity. It traces the evolution of this essential energy, from its first discoveries to its modern uses. It’s a reminder, if ever one was needed, of the vital role electricity plays in our lives!

The museum boasts a rich and varied collection of scientific objects, machines and inventions related to electricity. Among the highlights is a gigantic steam engine that once powered a textile mill.

The subject isn’t easy, but the museum is lively enough. Thanks to interactive exhibits, models and animations, it offers a fun way to understand the impact of electricity on our daily lives. It’s a great place to visit, even with children. The electrostatic theater, for example, with hair standing on end, is sure to please!

5. Ecomusée d’Alsace

TheÉcomusée d’Alsace is an open-air museum in Ungersheim that recreates everyday life in a traditional Alsatian village. This is one of my favorite museums not only in Mulhouse, but in Alsace in general! It’s not actually in Mulhouse, but nearby, about 20 minutes away by car.

It comprises over 70 authentic buildings, relocated and rebuilt on site, including half-timbered houses, farms, a school and craftsmen’s workshops. The eco-museum showcases ancient skills, farming and craft traditions, with regular demonstrations of traditional trades. Year-round events, exhibitions and activities immerse visitors in the culture and history of rural Alsace, in a way that’s both instructive and fun. A must-see!

6. Parc de Wesserling – Textile Ecomuseum

TheParc de Wesserling and its textile eco-museum is usually listed among Mulhouse’s museums. So I’ll mention it here, but you should know that it’s not actually very close to Mulhouse (40 minutes by car, 1 hour by public transport). In any case, it’s a very pleasant and interesting place to visit.

Located in the Thur valley, this former industrial estate has become a remarkable park, combining heritage and nature. Once the site of a major textile factory, it now houses themed gardens, a textile museum and preserved industrial buildings.

Visitors can discover the history of the textile industry through exhibitions, or simply explore the gardens inspired by textile techniques and motifs. The park also offers cultural and artistic events throughout the year, and is always a big hit with families!

7. Wallpaper Museum, Rixheim

The Wallpaper Museum is not located in Mulhouse, but in the nearby town of Rixheim. It is housed in the building of the world-famous Zuber wallpaper factory, which has been in Rixheim since 1797. It’s the oldest wallpaper factory still in operation!

The museum’s permanent exhibition includes a machine room (with interesting explanatory panels to help visitors understand the history of wallpaper), a video room showing two films (old but interesting) and several rooms housing panoramic wallpapers (wallpapers decorating entire rooms). The latter are the real highlight of the museum: the panoramas are truly beautiful and impressive!

The Wallpaper Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, which I really enjoyed both times I went. They give you an idea of the variety of wallpapers that can exist,

The Wallpaper Museum could do with a little sprucing up, but it’s interesting. I’ve never seen wallpaper in the same way since!

8. La Grange à Bécanes – Rhineland Motorcycle Museum

If you like vintage motorcycles, the Grange à Bécanes (Rhineland Motorcycle Museum) is a must-see. This small museum nevertheless boasts an impressive collection of motorcycles dating from between 1920 and 1960.

Personally, I’m not a motorcycle connoisseur by any means, but I really enjoyed discovering these beautiful vintage bikes. As a bonus, there are even a few bikes on display, designed by a motorcycle manufacturer 😉

It is possible to visit this museum during a bike ride in the Rhine strip. This makes a nice stop for fans!

9. Kunsthalle Mulhouse (Contemporary art center)

The Kunsthalle de Mulhouse is a contemporary art center located in the city’s former industrial buildings. It presents temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists, offering a space dedicated to artistic creation and exploration. I haven’t visited it yet, but here’s the official website address.

10. Museum of Fine Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mulhouse houses a rich collection of works from the 17th to the 20th century, with a particular focus on French and European painters. The museum exhibits paintings, sculptures and drawings from various artistic schools, ranging from Classicism to Romanticism andImpressionism. I haven’t visited it yet, but here’s the official website address.

11. Mulhouse Historical Museum

The Musée Historique de Mulhouse is located in the former Hôtel de Ville, an emblematic Renaissance building. It traces Mulhouse’s history, from its medieval origins to its integration into France in 1798, via its past as a free town and independent republic. It provides an insight into Mulhouse’s evolution and its key role in the region’s industrial development, notably through textiles. I haven’t visited it yet, but here’s the official website address.

12. Dan Gerbo Museum

The Musée Dan Gerbo is a museum of contemporary art, housing works by Mulhouse artist Dan Gerbo as well as works by artists who rent the space to exhibit and sell their work.I haven’t visited it yet, but here’s the official website address.