Museums in Strasbourg to visit during your stay

The Rohan Palace: 3 museums in a regal setting

Just a stone's throw from the cathedral, the Palais Rohan is one of Strasbourg's major cultural landmarks. This majestic building houses several major museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.

The Museum of Fine Arts offers a journey through several centuries of European painting. It’s the perfect destination for fans of the great masters, but also for those looking to explore a museum on a human scale—one that’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Hours may vary by day and season; the official website of the Strasbourg Museums provides up-to-date practical information.

The Museum of Decorative Arts, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into the world of princely apartments, furniture, ceramics, and works of art. Here, you can truly feel the refinement of a bygone era. As for the Archaeological Museum, it traces the history of Alsace from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Please note, however, that temporary closures for renovations may be announced depending on the time of year.

The Historical Museum: Discover Strasbourg in a Single Visit

The Historical Museum is an excellent starting point for understanding Strasbourg’s identity. Housed in the former Grande Boucherie, it traces the city’s evolution, its strategic role on the Rhine, its political history, and its unique destiny, shaped by both French and German influences.

This is the museum you should visit first if you’re visiting Strasbourg for the first time. It provides useful insights before you explore the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Petite France district. The tour also helps you better understand why Strasbourg holds such a special place in European history.

The MAMCS: Strasbourg's Modern and Contemporary Art Scene

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg, often referred to as MAMCS, offers a more contemporary experience. Located near the Vauban Dam, it features collections of modern art, contemporary art, photography, and design.

It’s a great way to mix things up after visiting the historic museums in the old town. The bright, spacious building appeals to art lovers and curious visitors alike. It also fits easily into a stroll toward the riverbanks, Petite France, or the covered bridges.

The Tomi Ungerer Museum: Strasbourg’s Witty Spirit

It’s impossible to talk about Strasbourg’s museums without mentioning the Tomi Ungerer Museum – International Center for Illustration. Born in Strasbourg, Tomi Ungerer is one of the great names in illustration, known for his children’s books, his satirical drawings, and his often irreverent view of the world.

The museum, housed in a villa near the city center, showcases a wide range of works: original drawings, posters, sketches, books, advertising pieces, and more socially conscious creations. The museum was dedicated to him during his lifetime in 2007, a fact rare enough to be worth noting.

This is a particularly interesting visit for teenagers, graphic design enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys less conventional museums. Here, Strasbourg reveals a creative, humorous, and sometimes irreverent side—but one that is always deeply vibrant.

The Zoological Museum: a family outing you won't want to miss

Renovated and reopened to the public, the Zoological Museum is a favorite destination for families. It showcases biodiversity, the animal world, and the natural sciences in an accessible way. The exhibition“BiodiverCité: Animals of the City”will be on view at the Zoological Museum from September 19, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

If you’re traveling with children, this is one of the easiest museums to fit into your itinerary. It’s a great addition to a day spent exploring the historic sites around the cathedral and the Palais Rohan.

The Alsatian Museum: something to check out before you go

The Musée Alsacien is one of the premier destinations for learning about regional traditions, housing, traditional costumes, and everyday objects in Alsace. However, it has been closed since July 7, 2025, for major renovations, and is scheduled to reopen in 2028.

Before you leave, always check to see if the museums are open. This is especially important for a short trip, where every minute counts.

Some practical tips for planning your visits

To get the most out of Strasbourg’s museums, it’s best to group your visits by neighborhood.

The Rohan Palace, Strasbourg Cathedral, the Historical Museum, and the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame are all easily accessible in the same area.
The MAMCS can be visited in conjunction with Petite France and the covered bridges.
The Tomi Ungerer Museum, on the other hand, is a great stop on a stroll toward Neustadt or the area around Orangerie Park.

Be sure to check the official calendar as well: Strasbourg’s museums regularly host temporary exhibitions, events, lectures, and family activities.

Strasbourg, the perfect destination for a cultural weekend

Strasbourg’s museums have a major advantage: they tell the story of the city just as much as they showcase their collections. Visitors can explore Alsace, Europe, art, illustration, the natural sciences, and urban history, all while enjoying a leisurely stroll.

To plan your getaway, book your flight to Strasbourg-Entzheim. Once you arrive, let your interests guide you: a bit of history, a touch of modern art, a detour to see Tomi Ungerer… and, between museum visits, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved tarte flambée?

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Strasbourg: Must-See Museums