The Three Robbers, The Giant of Zéralda, Jean de la Lune, The Mellops… You’re bound to be familiar with at least one of these children’s books written by Tomi Ungerer.The Strasbourg-based artist, who passed away in February 2019, had a profound impact on the world of illustration in Alsace and France. But also in the United States, where he worked between 1956 and 1970 for prestigious magazines such as The New York Times and Life. Since 2007, a museum in Strasbourg has been dedicated to him, exhibiting a selection of the 14,000 sketches, original drawings, annotated texts, mechanical toys, prints, posters, and advertisements that Tomi Ungerer donated to the City of Strasbourg.
The Essentials at a Glance
- 📍 The spot: The Tomi Ungerer Museum, Villa Greiner, in Strasbourg’s Imperial District.
- 💶 Admission: Fee required (full price/reduced price; free for those under 18).
- 📅 Hours: Open every day except Monday.
- 🎨 Who is it for? Families for the children’s section; adults for the caricature and satire section (the erotic section is off-limits to younger visitors).
My Thoughts on the Tomi Ungerer Museum
I liked
- See the original drawings of Tomi Ungerer
- Appreciate the variety of his work and his committed designs
- Temporary exhibitions
I liked less
- The museum is too small in my opinion!
Children’s Drawings by Tomi Ungerer (1956–2018)
The visit of the Tomi Ungerer Museum begins with the drawings of his children’s books, in chronological order (1956-2018). I love discovering the originals, trying to decipher the pencil notes on some of the documents and watching the old cartoons from his works. A documentary, “Trait pour Trait”, also retraces the life of Tomi Ungerer and a small reading corner has been set up to (re)immerse yourself in his books.
Tomi Ungerer: Much More Than Just a Children’s Author
A socially conscious artist and cartoonist
On the second floor, we leave childhood behind to discover Tomi the cartoonist and committed artist. He made many drawings or posters against racial segregation, the war in Vietnam and all forms of discrimination. His satirical drawings, which mocked American society, contributed greatly to his success. Tomi Ungerer was also an advocate of children’s rights, Alsatian particularities and Franco-German reconciliation, having lived through the trauma of the Second World War.
The Darkest and Most Erotic Works
The visit continues in the basement, forbidden to the young public! And for good reason: we find there his most black or erotic works, like his famous Kamasutra of the frogs.
Temporary exhibitions that are updated three times a year
Three times a year, the Tomi Ungerer Museum organizes temporary exhibitions. The last themes were the use of photography in Tomi Ungerer’s work or his vision of Europe. Other works of artists, from whom he was inspired or who were inspired by the Strasbourg illustrator, are often presented. I find these temporary exhibitions always very interesting and successful.
Also on the blog
Key Facts About the Tomi Ungerer Museum
- An intimate museum dedicated to one of Strasbourg’s greatest illustrators
- The exhibition ranges from children’s drawings to satirical and socially conscious works, all the way to the adult section in the basement
- Temporary exhibitions that are updated three times a year
I really recommend this museum: if you know Tomi Ungerer, you will like it. And if you don’t know him, it will be a great discovery!
Practical information
Rates and schedules
Open every day except Monday. You can find the current prices and hours for the Tomi Ungerer Museum here.
Access
By car
The address is: 2 avenue de la Marseillaise, 67000 Strasbourg. Count approximately :
- 73 km from Colmar (about 1 hour)
- 114 km from Mulhouse (about 1h20)
By public transport
Tram Lines B, C, E, and F (République stop)
; Buses L6, 15, and 72 (République stop)
Hungry?
If you are hungry, you will easily find a restaurant in our favorite restaurant addresses in Strasbourg.
Is the Tomi Ungerer Museum suitable for children?
Yes, for the most part—the exhibition focuses on his children’s books—but the section in the basement dedicated to his darker, more erotic works is off-limits to young visitors.
How many drawings are in the museum’s collection?
The museum exhibits, on a rotating basis, a selection of the 14,000 drawings that Tomi Ungerer donated to the City of Strasbourg.
Does the museum host temporary exhibitions?
Yes, three times a year, focusing on themes related to the work of Tomi Ungerer or artists who inspired him or whom he inspired.
On which day is the museum closed?
The museum is closed on Mondays and open every other day of the week.
How do I get to the Tomi Ungerer Museum by public transportation?
Tram lines B, C, E, and F, or bus lines L6, 15, and 72, République stop.