Strasbourg shines for its culture: the city's museums

The capital of the historic Alsace region is no slouch when it comes to culture. There is no shortage of cultural activities. The city boasts more than a dozen museums, making it one of France's largest museum centres. You can immerse yourself in Alsatian tradition by visiting typical old houses at the Alsatian Museum. The more contemporary Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain features innovative works and conveys contemporary ideas and concepts. You can travel back in time to discover the creation of the city of Strasbourg at the historic museum on the banks of the Ill. There are also some splendid sites which, with a bit of luck, have survived the many events they have been through. Such is the case of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, nestling in the heart of the Palais Rohan, an architectural masterpiece. A testament to the different artistic currents and schools.

Ornaments from the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Strasbourg, France.

- © mognev / Shutterstock
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The Alsatian Museum, a journey through the homes of yesteryear

On the banks of the Ill, this museum is a tribute to the region. It is organised around a number of typical Strasbourg houses. The itinerary takes you between the different houses, via ancient staircases and passageways. The interiors of the houses reflect the codes of yesteryear, with reproductions of rooms such as the Stub, the common room where families used to gather. The objects on display represent life in days gone by, more specifically between the 18th and 19th centuries. You can wander from room to room and from parlour to kitchen, as if you were living here. You'll be drawn in by the curiosity of entering the intimacy of the past. It's an activity that children will love too.

The museum also organises other events throughout the year, such as exhibitions on Alsatian traditions and culture.

The Alsatian Museum sign in Strasbourg, France.

- © Christian Mueller / Shutterstock

Practical information

📍 Address: 23-25 quai Saint-Nicolas, Strasbourg (67 000)

Opening times: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm (these times may vary depending on the period)

To check opening days, visit: www.musees.strasbourg.eu

👛 Price: €7.5 / €3.5 (concessions)

👉 Other information :

Accessibility: the museum provides specific access and services for disabled visitors (folding stools, sound amplifiers, audio-guided tactile tour)

Contact: musee.alsacien@strasbourg.eu

Where to eat nearby?

Here's a traditional restaurant renowned for its generous local cuisine. The Muensterstuewel is nestled in a half-timbered Alsatian house that has been listed as a historic monument. Foie gras, onion tart, regional salad and sauerkraut fill the plates. Make yourself comfortable in the dining room and let yourself be guided by the menu.

A journey to the land of Strasbourg chocolate Strasbourg

A journey to the land of Strasbourg chocolate

The chocolate factory offers an organised tour of chocolate, from the plantation to the shop. Follow the production process, starting with the cocoa flower.
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Where to sleep?

2* Hôtel des Tonneliers Strasbourg
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2* Hôtel des Tonneliers

This hotel-restaurant is located in a quiet pedestrian street in the centre of Strasbourg.
7.7 Fine
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£94 / night
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Focus on contemporary art at Strasbourg's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Graphic, uncluttered and full of light, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is an urban jewel overlooking the river. The various rooms are arranged around a large nave adorned with walkways. Visitors can look forward to an impressive collection of modern art, a graphic arts and photography room and a library. The building has a total surface area of 5,000 m². A few steps further up, the permanent collections of contemporary art are displayed in a succession of rooms. There is a restaurant among all the works of art, where visitors can take a break from exploring the building.

Sunset over the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg, France.

- © Alexander Sorokopud / Shutterstock

Discovery, inspiration and questioning are on the agenda at MAMCS, which aims to arouse the emotions of its visitors. A diversified programme to keep things fresh and never dull. A number of temporary exhibitions and other events, such as Les dimanches d'Arte au MAMCS (Arte Sundays at MAMCS), are part of the gallery's calendar.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg (MAMCS), France.

- © Simone Crespiatico / Shutterstock

Practical information

📍 Address: 1, place Hans-Jean-Arp, Strasbourg (67 000)

Opening times: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm (these times may vary depending on the period)

To check opening days, go to: www.musees.strasbourg.eu

👛 Price: €7.5 / €3.5 (concessions)

👉 Accessibility: the museum provides special access and services for disabled visitors (wheelchairs, lift, magnetic induction loop amplifiers).

Where to eat nearby?

A warm, musical atmosphere, an authentic setting and a friendly team... Welcome to Cul-Terreux, an address that would be a shame to miss if you happen to be in the area. The menu offers unbeatable value for money at €13. The dishes are cooked on site using fresh local produce. As for the entertainment, there's a general knowledge quiz every month and dance evenings for those who like to party.

Where to sleep in the area?

Graffalgar 3* Hotel Strasbourg
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Graffalgar 3* Hotel

Each room in this establishment has been personalised and features original artwork to match the furniture.
8.4 Very good
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£133 / night
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The Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg

To find out more about the city's history, its medieval past and the creation of the European Quarter, head to Strasbourg's historical museum. A fun tour organised around old collections. The audioguide tour is free and available in French, German and English. It's a great way to enjoy a family activity without breaking the bank, or simply for those on a budget who still want to discover the city.

As you explore, you'll be plunged into the world of the Middle Ages thanks to the reproduction of a medieval town. You'll be amazed by the wealth of objects preciously kept in niches built into the walls.

The city of Strasbourg's historical museum overlooking the River Ill, France.

- © Pack-Shot / Shutterstock

This museum offers interactive activities that bring the journey to life. You can handle objects and draw. A replica of a helmet from the Middle Ages is available for visitors to try on and learn about the obligations of the time.

The historic museum of Strasbourg, France.

- © Maykova Galina / Shutterstock

Practical information

📍 Address: 2, rue du vieux Marché aux Poissons, Strasbourg (67 000)

Opening times: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm (these times may vary depending on the period)

To check opening days, go to: www.musees.strasbourg.eu

👛 Price: €7.5 / €3.5 (concessions)

👉 Accessibility: the museum's areas are wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs are available on loan. A lift is available.

Where to eat nearby?

We've found the temple of cheese. La Cloche à Fromage is a restaurant with an innovative concept, founded in 1988 and earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records in 1989. Master cheesemongers guide you through the 90 varieties on the menu. Dishes, cheese platters and raclette galore with the utmost respect for local produce.

Where to sleep?

Hotel Rohan, Centre Cathédrale 4* - Strasbourg Strasbourg

Hotel Rohan, Centre Cathédrale 4* - Strasbourg

Sober and elegant, the hotel is decorated with great taste.
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£134
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The Musée des Beaux-Arts, a major collection

Located on the first floor of the Palais Rohan, this museum presents collections from different artistic schools and movements. Primitive Italian and Flemish art are represented by works by Giotto and Memling. Paintings by Botticelli, Raphael and El Greco characterise the Renaissance. A number of 19th-century paintings (Delacroix, Courbet) are also on display.

Zoom in on the façade of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Strasbourg, France.

- © mognev / Shutterstock

Practical information

📍 Address: 2, place du Château, Strasbourg (67 000)

Opening times: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm (these times may vary depending on the period)

To check opening days, go to: www.musees.strasbourg.eu

👛 Price: €7.5 / €3.5 (concessions)

👉 Accessibility: the infrastructure provides access for people with reduced mobility, as well as wheelchairs, walking sticks and folding stools. For parents, a baby carrier is available.

Where to eat nearby?

Here's an original place, a concentration of everything we love: bistro, patisserie, tearoom... This address is alive at all hours of the day and that's what we like. The creators of the place were keen to come up with an original concept: a space halfway between a bistro and a tearoom, with vegetarian food as the main theme. The kitchen serves sweet and savoury dishes all day long and has a grocery section where you can buy takeaway pastries.

Where to sleep?

Hotel Suisse 3* - Strasbourg Strasbourg

Hotel Suisse 3* - Strasbourg

This 3-star hotel is located just behind Strasbourg's famous Notre Dame cathedral.
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£152
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by Jude JONES
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