Strasbourg Museums – Which one to visit?

My Opinion: Our Favorites

With 16 museums to choose from, it’s hard to see them all in a single weekend. If you had to choose just three: the Historical Museum, to get a solid foundation in the city’s history; the 5e Lieu, as a quick and free appetizer; and the Vodou Museum, to venture off the beaten path.

Strasbourg Museums Map

Must-See History & Heritage Sites

5th Stop – A First Look at Strasbourg

Two in one! The 5e Lieu is both a shop promoting the city’s cultural offerings and an exhibition gallery upstairs. It’s an enriching and informative experience that lets you discover Strasbourg as it was in the past and as it is today.

Featuring models, display cases, photos, and animated films,the permanent exhibition “A Journey Through Strasbourg” traces the city’s construction and development, allowing you to see how its architectural heritage has evolved over the centuries. A very large digital map allows visitors to observe the city’s expansion over the ages.

I highly recommend this museum, which offers a great introduction to Strasbourg and, as a bonus, a beautiful view of Cathedral Square and the Kammerzell House—you can take a closer look at its details at the information kiosk. The 5th also offers a great lineup of events: temporary exhibitions, workshops, and themed tours are held there throughout the year.

💡 Local tip: Always start your tour of Strasbourg’s museums here—it’s the best way to whet your appetite before tackling the rest.

📍 5 Pl. du Château, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Historical Museum – The Editorial Team’s Favorite

The Strasbourg Historical Museum is housed in a symbolic location: the Grandes Boucheries de Strasbourg, which operated from 1587 to 1899. Spanning five floors, it is entirely dedicated to the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the present day and is a favorite of several authors on this blog!

The museum is organized chronologically around three major chapters of history: the Free City of the Holy Roman Empire (1262–1681), the Revolutionary City (1681–1800), and the European Capital (19th and 20th centuries). Featuring works of art, everyday objects, and military artifacts, the museum offers a thematic and often interactive tour. Don’t miss the relief map of Strasbourg, a 72-square-meter reconstruction of the city created in 1727 as part of the city’s defensive strategy.

💡 Local tip: Get the audio guide—it’s free. And if you really want a comprehensive overview of the history, start with the Archaeological Museum right next door before coming here—that way, you’ll follow the chronological order.

📍 2 Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Alsatian Museum – Closed until 2028

⚠️ Closed for renovations since July 2025; scheduled to reopen in 2028. The information below is provided for reference, but the museum is not currently open to visitors.

With creaking wooden floors, an authentic, unrenovated building, a rustic atmosphere, Kelsch fabric, and bottle-bottom glass windows, the Alsatian Museum offers a wonderful glimpse into the daily lives of Alsatian families. Founded in 1907, it is housed in three magnificent, beautifully preserved 17th-century half-timbered buildings.

The museum traces life in the Alsatian countryside during the 18th and 19th centuries through a vast collection of objects and a tour of 26 rooms that cover a wide range of themes: housing, work, traditional clothing, customs, crafts, religion, and life stages. The kitchen, bedrooms, and “stub” (living room)—the various rooms of a traditional Alsatian home—as well as artisans’ workshops (such as a pharmacy and herbalist’s shop) are faithfully recreated here.

More than 50,000 items from the 18th to the 21st century are on display (clothing, toys, ceramics, kitchen utensils, religious objects, jewelry…), grouped by theme. Alsatian folklore will hold no secrets for you!

📍 23-25 Quai Saint-Nicolas, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Archaeological Museum – The city’s oldest museum

Located in the basement of the Palais Rohan, this museum, founded in the 18th century, is also the oldest in the city. Featuring sculptures, figurines, ceramics, jewelry and ornaments, weapons, and other ancient artifacts, it is entirely dedicated to the history of Strasbourg and Alsace and covers periods ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages. For a complete journey through time, combine your visit with a trip to the Historical Museum.

💡 Local tip: You can see it in no time—perfect for rounding out a visit to the Historical Museum right next door on the same day.

📍 2 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame – Across from the Cathedral

Statues and architectural elements (originals from Strasbourg Cathedral), works of art, altarpieces, tapestries, gold and silverware, as well as paintings and sculptures—this museum houses a stunning collection of medieval and Renaissance art from Strasbourg and the Upper Rhine region. A chronological tour takes us through the different periods: from the Romanesque to the Gothic, the late Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and into the 17th century.

You move from room to room and from one building to another via wooden galleries and staircases, all of which form a winding complex. The highlight of the tour is the two remarkable buildings that house the museum—dating from the 13th (the Gothic wing) and 16th centuries (the Renaissance wing)—as well as the cathedral’s stained-glass windows and the small adjoining medieval garden (closed in winter).

💡 Local tip: Visit this spot right before or after the cathedral—you’ll notice the original sculptures that have been replaced on the facade. In the summer, don’t miss the small medieval garden next door (closed in the winter).

📍 3 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Fine Arts and Decorative Arts at the Palais Rohan

Museum of Decorative Arts – In the former residence of the prince-bishops

Housed in the former residence of the prince-bishops, the Palais Rohan is divided into the King’s apartments and a collection of decorative arts (furniture, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, gold and silverware, etc.) from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

On the ground floor of the Palais, the Museum of Decorative Arts houses a significant collection of earthenware—primarily tableware—from the Hannong Dynasty, whose factory has since been replaced by the hotel of the same name (which, incidentally, is one of our favorite hotels in Strasbourg ).

Before entering the decorative arts wing (the former stables), visitors first pass through the Grand Synod Hall (dining room), the sumptuous library, and the royal apartments. Originally built in the mid-18th century (1732–42) for the Prince-Bishop of Strasbourg, the Rohan Palace served as a residence for his successors and also hosted kings of France (Louis XV) and emperors (Napoleon I).

💡 Local tip: Before you reach the decorative arts galleries, don’t rush past the Great Synod Hall and the Palace Library—they’re worth a look all on their own.

📍 2 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Museum of Fine Arts – From Giotto to Delacroix

Located on the first floor of the Palais Rohan, the Museum of Fine Arts houses a collection of paintings ranging from the early days of European painting through the mid-19th century.

Among the pictorial currents and artists on display are German, Flemish and Italian primitives (Giotto), the great masters of Spanish painting (Goya) and the Italian Renaissance (Raphael), as well as 19th-century French Romantics and Realists (Delacroix, Courbet, Corot). Twenty rooms featuring biblical scenes, battle scenes, landscapes, still lifes and portraits of nobility.

The museum boasts a number of masterpieces, including Nicolas de Largillière’s “Belle Strasbourgeoise “, whose costume is on display at the Musée Historique.

💡 Local tip: Look for Largillière’s “Belle Strasbourgeoise”—her original costume is on display right next door at the Historical Museum.

📍 2 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Modern, Contemporary, and Unconventional Art

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – From Impressionism to Contemporary Art

To fully appreciate the architecture of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, simply walk across the Covered Bridges. Its exterior walls are covered with a massive 1,000-square-meter street art mural (created in 2008 for the museum’s 20th anniversary by the Faile collective), its imposing glass-enclosed nave, and its bronze horse perched on the roof.

The works are spread over two floors. From Impressionism to Surrealism to New Realism, the permanent collection includes almost 18,000 works. Paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings, photos and installations from 1870 to the present day. All the major artistic movements are represented, and all the great names in contemporary painting are present, from Monet and Picasso to Kandinsky, Arp, Beckmann and Baselitz.

The ground floor houses the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. There you’ll also find spaces dedicated to the work of Gustave Doré (including a monumental piece measuring 9×6 m), a reconstruction of Kandinsky’s Music Room, and temporary exhibitions. The first floor features temporary exhibitions and the café. The MAMCS presents 3 to 4 major temporary exhibitions each year.

💡 Local tip: Climb up to the Ponts Couverts to admire the exterior mural before going inside, and be sure to save some time for brunch on the terrace at the Art Café—the view of Petite France is worth the trip all on its own.

📍 1 Pl. Hans-Jean-Arp, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Tomi Ungerer Museum – A Local Boy Who Became an International Star

Jean de la Lune came to life under his pencil strokes. He sketched American society with his sharp pencil and tackled themes such as the environment and war. A brilliant cartoonist, multi-award-winning illustrator, socially conscious artist, and native of Strasbourg, Tomi Ungerer enjoyed international success.

From illustrations for children’s books to satirical, erotic, and advertising drawings, he was a versatile and prolific artist. His works, along with a collection of toys, are displayed in three rooms, one of which is in the basement.

With a collection of 8,000 pieces bequeathed to the city, the Tomi Ungerer Museum presents a rotating selection (three major annual exhibitions) of 300 works by the most “New York” of all Strasbourg natives. The museum, which opened in 2007, also hosts temporary exhibitions.

📍 2 Av. de la Marseillaise, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

L’Aubette 1928 – Free and Little-Known

Aubette 1928 is one of Strasbourg’s museums. It is located on the second floor of the building of the same name on Place Kléber and is free of charge. It’s not big, and I don’t know if I’d necessarily call it a “museum”, but it’s an unusual and interesting place: when you visit Strasbourg, I’d advise you to push open the door and take a look!

Indeed, in 1928, this space was a leisure complex whose main feature was that it was decorated by artists Hans Jean Arp, Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Theo Van Doesburg. L’Aubette was conceived as a “total work of art”(Gesamtkunstwerk), which was completely covered over from 1938 onwards, and has been fully restored since 2006.

Today, you can admire the ciné-dancing (ciné bal), the staircase with its imposing stained-glass window, the village hall and the foyer-bar. It’s beautiful, original, and has a lovely view of Place Kléber!

💡 Local tip: This isn’t a full-fledged museum you need to plan for, but it’s a quick, free detour if you’re passing by Place Kléber—don’t miss it.

📍 Place Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Thematic Museums and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Vodou Museum – In a former water tower

The Vodou Museum is a rather unusual three-story museum housed in an equally unusual building—a former water tower—and features a significant collection of 1,200 West African artifacts. These are travel souvenirs collected over nearly 20 years by a passionate collector who is the owner of both the water tower and the collection, as well as the museum’s founder.

Masks, amulets, deities, costumes—all of these items were used in Voodoo ceremonies or rituals. Blending spirituality, religion, and culture, this unique and exotic museum sheds a different light on the Voodoo faith. It’s both a great way to learn about it and to demystify the superstitions and mysteries surrounding this practice.

💡 Local tip: If you get the chance, sign up for the monthly flashlight-guided night tour—the team has tried it and loved it.

📍 4 Rue de Koenigshoffen, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

A European Hub – The Perfect Complement to the European Parliament

Le Lieu d’Europe is a little-known museum in Strasbourg, but an interesting one if you’re interested in the European Union. Strasbourg is the European capital, along with Brussels, so it makes sense to take a tour on this theme during your stay in Strasbourg. You can of course visit the European Parliament, but the Lieu d’Europe is an excellent complement!

💡 Local tip: Combine this tour with a visit to the nearby European Parliament for a complete immersion in Strasbourg, the capital of Europe.

📍 8 rue Boecklin, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Les Secrets du Chocolat Museum – A Gourmet Outing in Geispolsheim

Behind-the-scenes insights, tastings—food lovers of all ages will enjoy this taste-bud-tingling experience. After touring the Les Secrets du Chocolat Museum —and sampling a few treats along the way—you’ll get to get your hands dirty with cocoa paste by participating in a hands-on workshop: you’ll leave with the treats you made that day. A wonderful time, with or without kids. A stop at the gift shop is a must—it’s hard to leave empty-handed. You can book your tickets here.

💡 Local tip: Plan to drive (the museum is in Geispolsheim, outside Strasbourg) and book the workshop if possible—it’s the best souvenir to take home.

📍 Rue du Pont-du-Péage, 67118 Geispolsheim – 🔗 More info

MM Park Museum – 7,000 m² dedicated to World War II

The MM Park Museum is located in La Wantzenau, north of Strasbourg. This is a museum exhibiting an important private collection dedicated to the Second World War. The collection of an enthusiast who has decided to share it with visitors. Weapons, costumes, numerous military vehicles… No less than 7,000m2 await you!

The museum is also a great idea for activities with children, with a dedicated play area.

💡 Local tip: It’s perfect for alternating between exploring the museum and taking a break at the children’s play area.

📍 4 Rue Gutenberg, 67610 La Wantzenau – 🔗 More info

Museums to Visit as a Family

Le Vaisseau – THE Children’s Museum in Strasbourg

Le Vaisseau is undoubtedly a must-see museum for children in Strasbourg. It’s a place dedicated to scientific discovery and fun learning for children. From the age of 3, young visitors can enjoy activities adapted to their level.

Le Vaisseau offers explorations in various fields, such as “Being Human,” where children can discover how the human body works, “I Make” to understand how objects work, “Water” to experiment with the properties of this element, as well as a section dedicated to animals, one dedicated to logic, and another to creativity… Truly a great museum in Strasbourg to explore with the whole family!

📍 1 Bis Rue Philippe Dollinger, 67100 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Zoological Museum – Reopened after 6 years of renovations

After being closed for several years, the Strasbourg Zoological Museum reopened in September 2025 following a major renovation. Housed in a Neo-Renaissance-style building dating from 1893, in the heart of the university campus, it now offers a completely redesigned three-story exhibition space that combines historical collections with multimedia and interactive displays to explore the history of the natural sciences and how ecosystems work.

📍 29 Boulevard de la Victoire, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 More info

Access

By tram: Most of the museums in the city center are a 5- to 7-minute walk from the Broglie stop (lines A, B, D).

By bike: The historic center is easy to explore by bike, with Vélhop stations near Place Kléber and the train station.

By car: Park-and-ride facilities are located throughout the city—none is particularly recommended, so choose the one closest to your entry point into Strasbourg. The Musée Les Secrets du Chocolat and the Musée MM Park are easier to reach by car than by public transportation.

Deals & Passes

Read also

Frequently Asked Questions About Strasbourg’s Museums

What You Need to Know About Strasbourg’s Museums

• Strasbourg has about 15 museums: there’s no need to visit them all—just choose the ones that match your interests
• On the first Sunday of the month, admission to municipal museums is free
• The Alsatian Museum is closed until 2028: the Historical Museum and the 5th Place are stepping in to showcase local culture
• To make the most of your stay, consider getting the Alsace Pass or the Strasbourg City Card

Want to make the most of your trip beyond the museums? Check out our comprehensive guide to visiting Strasbourg in 3 days.