Colmar looks like a town pulled directly from the pages of a medieval fairy tale. With its pastel half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and cobblestone alleys, the Alsatian capital of wine offers a visual feast at every turn. Yet beyond the picturesque facades of “Little Venice” lies a surprisingly rich cultural landscape waiting to be explored.
While many travelers come for the Christmas markets or the Route des Vins, the city’s museums provide a deeper understanding of the region’s soul. They reveal stories of spiritual devotion, artistic genius, and the daily lives of the people who shaped Alsace. Visiting these institutions allows you to escape the crowds while gaining a profound appreciation for the area’s complex history.
From sacred masterpieces of the Renaissance to playful modern toys, the collections here are remarkably diverse for a town of Colmar’s size. Whether you are sheltering from a summer shower or seeking warmth during a crisp winter afternoon, these cultural havens offer the perfect respite. They transform a simple sightseeing trip into a journey through centuries of human creativity.
Navigating the options can be overwhelming, especially if you only have a weekend to spend in this enchanting corner of France. You might be wondering which institutions are truly worth your precious vacation time and which ones best suit your interests. Understanding the unique character of each venue will help you curate the perfect itinerary.
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the most compelling and historically significant cultural institutions in the city. We have prioritized venues that offer exceptional collections, immersive atmospheres, and authentic local context. With this information, you can plan your visits efficiently and ensure you do not miss the crown jewels of the region.
Whether you are a passionate art historian, a family traveling with curious children, or a casual admirer of beautiful things, there is a museum here for you. Prepare to step inside architectural marvels that house everything from gilded altarpieces to vintage automobiles. Here are the must-see destinations that define Colmar’s cultural landscape.
Musée Unterlinden
| Address | Pl. des Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 20 15 50 |
Nice collection of paintings from middle age and later period. Have you ever seen a serpent, low pitched wind music instrument? In use between the XVI and XIX centuries this one in the collection, was used in church.
Quaint kitchen patisserie molds.
Old ironworks, giant door locks with huge keys...
And the famous alttar of Issenheim painted by Grunewald in 1512-16 describing realistically ergotism. The painting had belonged to the monks who cared for victims of ergotism.
A very nice museum with well presented exhibition. Our tour was organized with easy routes to the exhibits. * The images are from the community outside of the museum.
What an incredible experience. We are so thankful we took the time to explore the Musée Unterlinden; it was truly a highlight of our trip. The sheer selection of artwork is stunning. While the main exposition focuses beautifully on the 1500s, we appreciated that the museum also embraces history and more recent paintings, offering something for everyone.
The most awe-inspiring moment for us was standing in the cathedral-like section of the museum viewing the famous multi-piece altarpiece [The Isenheim Altarpiece]. It was a genuinely moving experience.
While the admission price is a little higher than some other spots, it is absolutely worth it considering the quality and quantity of the art on display. A friendly tip to future visitors: do not be deceived by the exterior! The museum is massive and holds many surprises. Make sure to double-check the signs and maps so you don’t miss any wings—you can easily lose track of time wandering through such a beautiful place.
This is a brilliant museum.
The highlight is Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, and this is excellently displayed; but the whole place is a delight.
Housed in a medieval convent with superb modern additions (great staircases!), the collection isn’t as large as many big city museums, but this allows the (still numerous) objects to be sympathetically and expertly displayed.
Well worth a visit in its own right, or as part of a trip around the lovely town of Colmar
This wasn't a place I intended to visit whilst in Colmar but it turned out to be a great spot. Its extensive collection stretching back to the Roman times and going through the ages all the way to modern times, offers a nice glimpse into the history of the area. Besides giving a welcome respite from the crowds, it offered a few unique pieces that really capture ones attention and the hours just flew by. Highly recommended to all the history buffs!
Museum of Natural History and Ethnography
| Address | 11 Rue Turenne, 68000 Colmar |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Nice small natural history museum. It has only few rooms and two floors and yard but it is nice to visit with kids. You won't spent hours here but still will enjoy the nature. The big T-Rex skeleton is a highlight of the exhibition.
I enjoyed my visit here! Kind staff, small and interesting and I thought it was perfect for 6€. The taxidermy collection was very old and really interesting to see the differences in how they turned out back then compared to now. We also really enjoyed the Egyptology exhibit and Ethiopian artifacts.
Simple but rich history in small place in the centre of oldtown. Good for kids - young ones, since the main attraction is Dinosaur exterior area with paleontologist activities
We really enjoyed our experience. Takes about an hour to see all the animals, mummies and fossils. Why are all the stuffed and mounted animals made to look fierce?
I was really suprised with this museum. The entrance fee is low so wasn't suspecting much. But to my suprise it tickled me in very specific spots: dinosaurs, mummies and stuffed animals.
The range of stuffed animals is incredible, from sea animals to big bugs and even a dolphin. With just the right amount of goofy animal faces. The dino skeletons are also incredible. T-Rex, ok. And also the museum has some suprise mummies.
If you're in Colmar and seen the inner city for the fifth time, visit this museum.
Musée Bartholdi
| Address | 30 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 41 90 60 |
A lovely small museum in the heart of Colmar. Great way to learn about Bartholdi’s life and see models of his famous works, including the Statue of Liberty. The visit is not long but very interesting and well organized. Definitely worth a stop!
Beautiful museum located in the heart of the old Colmar, the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) houses, on three levels, a museum dedicated to this iconic 19th-century artist.
Sculptures, paintings, drawings, and photographs are on display.
On the ground floor, "The Little Winegrower" is one of the models of the nine public monuments designed by the sculptor between 1856 and 1902 for Colmar.
On the first floor, family furniture and personal mementos recreate the artist's last Parisian apartment. The adjacent wing displays models of the Vercingetorix statue in Clermont-Ferrand and the Lion of Belfort.
On the second floor, three rooms are devoted to Bartholdi's American monuments. "Liberty Enlightening the World" is evoked through models, drawings, paintings, engravings, and photographs. It is dedicated to the creator of the Statue of Liberty and the Lion of Belfort and was inaugurated in 1922, the museum preserves a significant collection of sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs of sketches, and models. The two 17th-century gates were listed on the supplementary inventory of historical monuments by a decree in 1929.
No wifi here, which is odd considering they have a QR code to be scanned to help you navigate through the museum. Audio-guide recommended, it’s just 2€ more but totally worth it, providing context and information (although some infos ensuring how the statue of liberty was exclusively made for U.S seems a bit sketchy imo)
Overall, great museum, variety of work, multi-disciplinary.
Was treated poorly by the receptionist. Sad, ruined the experience. She thought she was being clever but was rather demeaning. Worst thing is she represents Colmar to the world.
Museum was interesting but very simple. A few models of the artist work and some photographs that are available online.
The most interesting areas were his studios and recreated rooms.
Nice museum, bigger than I expected. Focuses on Bartholdi’s life and work, especially the Statue of Liberty. I really enjoyed it.
Musée du Jouet
| Address | 40 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 41 93 10 |
Not worth it, guys. We went there not with huge expectations, but at least thinking we get have a somewhat interactive experience which is not the case at all. The museum is three storeys tall, the first floor dedicated to couple of games (mainly kids’ games and chess) to play, a carousel display and lego displays. The second floor is full of what feels like thrifted old dolls display, and a vitrine of a time-capsuled “playroom” and a philosophical wall on toys and the evolution thereof. The third floor is full of miniature cities of Alsace and miniature trains. Cute, but underwhelming.
A fascinating museum about the history of toys. You can find many toys from different era like Barbie, teddy bears, dolls, cars, ... It's a pretty small museum but you can spend an hour or more inside. There's also some board games that you can use during your visit which is nice. It's a museum for everybody but I would say mostly older kids and adults. It's more on the educational side which wasn't an issue for me. I learned a lot of things and enjoyed my time. Also the staff is lovely!
The museum itself is beautiful and has a wonderful toy collection that both children and adults can enjoy. We were genuinely excited and full of anticipation as we arrived, eager to share a joyful experience together.
Unfortunately, our experience was overshadowed by a male staff member on the upper floor. While my child was absentmindedly leaning against the glass, watching the train without realizing any warning was directed at him, a staff member suddenly approached, shouting loudly and unnecessarily grabbing him. The suddenness and intensity of this reaction left both of us shaken my child was visibly frightened and confused, and I felt a surge of alarm and distress witnessing him being handled so harshly.
This is a toy museum a place primarily designed for children. Of course, children should be taught to respect the exhibits, but they also deserve to be treated with patience, kindness, and understanding. Staff working in a children’s museum should know how to communicate with young visitors without shouting or resorting to unnecessary physical contact.
After this incident, my son did not want to continue exploring the museum, and we left much earlier than planned. It was disappointing because what could have been a wonderful family experience ended on a very upsetting note.
I hope the museum provides better training for its staff.
Great museum with a lot of beautiful pieces. Perfect for adults and children! Very nicely put together and presented, like taking a time caspule into the past (and the future). A must see !
This is a nice little museum, there are three floors with various different toys to look at, my children are between the ages of 5 and 10. They did not really have much interest in looking at the toys for too long. I would say we got through the three floors within 15 minutes, but I love that they have multiple games like chess, etc. On the first floor that can be played. There's also a young toddler section with blocks and a soft mat and a couch where the parents can sit. There's also a small arcade machine which was very popular so we didn't get to play on it. There are many things to see and myself. I did enjoy looking up at the exhibit of the Playmobil and there's also toy trains on the top level. There is the lift so access for everyone. I feel like there was plenty to do here but I wouldn't say it's a full day activity you're looking at. Maybe an hour at most, but I think the price reflects this very well. Definitely worth a visit if you're here.
Le Village Hansi & son Musée
| Address | 28 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 41 44 20 |
Absolute Must! Don’t skip this one. The museum explicitly shows the spirit of Colmar and how the town seems to be “locked away in a timecapsule”, perserved. Learn Hansi’s story as a person and his path as an artist and enter into his world of drawings and children’s sceneries. Beautiful multi-disciplinary art that takes you back in time. Worth it.
Very cute place, also great place to get some souvenirs for yourself/friend and family
Nice and "cute" museum. I liked it so much. I believe it is very underrated. You may enjoy this museum if you are interested in painting, history of the area (European history generally), personal experience of people, or old stuff. It is a small museum so it would not take more than 30 minutes
This is the most magical store I’ve ever seen. There’s a lot of different types of souvenirs: sweets, drinks, magnets, kitchen accessories, soaps… Prices are same as in the other souvenir shops in the city centre.
Love this little museum of Hansi’s works! His works mainly based in the local area (Colmar). You can see how his illustrations becoming more political during WWII. Must visit in my opinion!
Alsatian Wines Museum
| Address | 12 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 88 99 44 30 |
We really enjoyed our visit to the Wine Museum in Colmar. The museum is modern, beautifully designed, and packed with fascinating exhibits and authentic winemaking artifacts. The audio guide is excellent—you simply hold the speaker to the numbered stations and hear the explanations in your own language, which makes the visit very easy to follow.
For my personal taste, the museum went into a bit more detail than I needed. There is an incredible amount of information about Alsatian wine, its history, and the many tools and techniques used over the centuries. I would have preferred a slightly shorter experience, but if you’re a true wine enthusiast, you’ll probably love the depth.
A nice highlight is the tasting at the end of the tour. You get three tastings to choose however you like, whether that’s different wines, grape juice, or a mix of both. It’s a great way to finish the visit.
Overall, it’s a well-presented and worthwhile attraction. If you’re visiting Colmar and have an interest in wine or the history of Alsace, I can definitely recommend it.
This place is located within chocostory building do you will not find a name board with it . Rather look out for choco story .
We had fun learning about vine and wine . Then ended up with tasting the different grape juice and wine along with the green grape companion🍇 .
A great interactive experience. It was fun and learnt a lot. Wish the wine tasting was a bit more, it was a few sips only. Loved looking at the historical wine labels and learning about the different grape varieties of the region and France. Definitely recommend a visit and also do the chocolate tour.
Three glasses of nice wine, a fantastic audio story, and a fun, interactive game.
Such a nice museum. They have a lot of modern, fun things, including some interactive activities.
Choco Story Colmar
| Address | 12 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 88 99 44 30 |
Fantastic from start to finish. Really easy to use the self guide and listen to all of the information as you were gping around the museum. Interesting and interactive for an 11 and 13yr old. Amazing to have unlimited samples to taste.
The choco museum is nothing that I expected.
It is not just a boring museum with big long stories. This was the most exciting museum I’ve been to and I didn’t get bored or tired a single bit. You should try the tasting chocolate they give and it is amazing. The games there to play how to make a chocolate bar or drink is amazing . I understand everything about the chocolate now and will not forget the experience.
Must try chocolate workshops.
This will take around 2-3h
Must try
What a great place to visit for young and old. We also opted for the chocolate making workshop (pre-booked at an additional cost) which was really good fun and suitable for all ages. We came away with lots of handmade chocolate and an apron.
The Museum was really informative and there were plenty of things to look at and interactive games to play as well as lots of tasters. I think I ate my own body weight in chocolate! Would highly recommend if you are a chocoholic.
A must visit attraction in Colmar. A really nice, unique and informative chocolate origins story tour.
The tour itself is self guided with 3 language options - French, English and German. Every step of chocolate manufacturing is explained in detail with historical paraphernalia associated with it. There are many interactive games to keep us sharp and active. There are also chocolate samples that you can try out during the tour.
This chocolate manufacturing tour is really worth its price.
There is also a gift shop present here where you can also buy chocolates.
The staff at the entrance are also friendly and helpful.
Let me start by saying: if you’re picturing a dusty museum with glass cases and yawn-inducing plaques, banish the thought.
Choco-Story Colmar is more like stepping into Willy Wonka’s slightly more sophisticated (and French) cousin’s lair. I went in expecting the usual “history of cocoa” spiel, but what I got was chocolate wonderland. Complete with a chocolate Statue of Liberty and a cabaret room made entirely of cocoa creations. Yes, you read that right. The themed rooms are so well staged, you’ll find yourself lingering to soak in the details, camera in hand, instead of just breezing past like you’re in a history exam.
The Workshop: Where You Become the Star
Now, the real magic? The chocolate workshop. Even if you’ve never so much as melted a chocolate button, fear not as this is the kind of hands-on fun that’s as easy as it is rewarding. You’re guided through every step, from tempering to topping, and before you know it, you’re holding chocolate creations that are actually yours. No childish gimmicks here; it’s the perfect mix of playful and polished.
Why It's Worth Your Time (and Calories)
A museum that's equal parts education and eye candy, with exhibits that feel more like art installations than static displays.
Themed rooms that beg for photos. Kind of Instagram meets chocolate fantasy.
A workshop that turns you from spectator to creator, with zero pressure and all the fun.
Pro Tips from the Keeper of the Cocoa Wisdom
Book the workshop. Trust me, it's the cherry (or should I say, the hazelnut?) on top.
Don't rush. This is the kind of place where you'll want to savor every room and maybe a sample or two.
Musée Mémorial des combats de la Poche de Colmar
| Address | 25 Rue du Conseil, 68230 Turckheim |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 80 86 66 |
Great little museum packed with authentic items from WWII. Glad we stopped in. Unfortunately there is no air conditioning and it was very warm and humid inside. If it was cooler we'd have spent more time there.
We spent an hour in the museum but I could have spent three. They have a QR code for an audio guide that is surprisingly well put together for what otherwise seems to be a fairly modest World War II museum. The volunteer there was fantastic and very enthusiastic. Great displays that take you through the American, French and German units, commanders, and gear. We only spent an hour here but I think it's worth at least two hours had we the time. Ticket for the museum also includes a tasting at the Cellar Turckheim Winery.
A nice surprise in a place I had not expected. I was impressed with the materials that were on display. I took many photos to share with my colleagues back home, who are experts in WWII history. Your employee at the cash register was very nice and helpful. Thank you for an informative visit.
What a collection of stuff! Really enjoyed seeing all of the daily items from the time period.
So moving!
Wonderful museum. Tiny, volunteer-run, but packed with amazing artifacts and photos. Artifacts are from all countries that left a presence during the war. The exhibits are easy to see, protected by glass and arranged in an interesting manner with like materials –for example, though there is an American wing and a French wing, there is an exhibit of journals from soldiers on each side, there’s an exhibit of personal hygiene items too. There are photos of the devastation to the local area so you can see the differences and the rebuilding process. Some exhibits also include mannequins in a scene which was very striking.
The museum itself is nested in the little town that is beautifully cared for. We were really moved by the artifacts and the stewardship of this tragic history. We made the visit to the museum through an excursion from our Viking Rhine cruise. We want to go back and explore this area and the museum more. So worth it.
Musée des usines municipales de Colmar
| Address | Rudenwadelweg, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 03 89 24 60 07 |
Fantastic museum, with incredibly kind volunteers who explain everything to us, taking their time. Between gas washing machines, gas streetlights, and gas refrigerators, all working on demonstrations, it feels like stepping back in time.
The road leading there is a bit remote; you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.
A discovery for Museum Night 2025, this small museum, housed in former technical facilities, traces the emergence and evolution of technologies applied to improving public life. Electricity, gas, water, and public transportation are on display, and we discover, in a straightforward manner, that the ever-evolving urban landscape is the result of the combined efforts of science and numerous other stakeholders, all working to ensure our comfort and safety.
And no, the collections are not outdated or neglected. Some documents have suffered the ravages of time, but the machines are perfectly functional, which is quite an achievement. Hats off to the technicians!
A very nice little museum with a very interesting layout. And a machine from 1897 that is regularly set in motion during the visit. A Ruston, a gift from the Monoprix stores, was used to power the store in case of a power outage...
The place is truly beautiful, but the machinery is completely dusty and looks abandoned. It seems neglected, which is a shame because it has so much potential!
A wonderful discovery, with explanations given by passionate people. I can't wait to come back. Thank you for this timeless moment.
Maison Pfister
| Address | 11 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
This amazing House was built in 1537 for the hatter Ludwig Scherer, who had made his fortune in trade.
I came here on a recommendation I received in Strasbourg! A lovely lady spotted my Studio Ghibli tattoos and informed me that the inspiration for the initial town came from Colmar, so I just had to detour on my road trip to see for myself.
It’s SO BEAUTIFUL, and the inspiration is very evident. The area itself had lovely street music going on and since I visited a week and a half before Easter it was beautifully decorated. Tons of markets in the area to explore.
DO NOT VISIT THIS PLACE WITH YOUR WALLET.
We just visited colmar and this place and they stole our wallet.
The thives are professionells. They bought online stuff in another country (arabic emirates), where you dont need a Pin and so spent 10000 euro with the card.
Then we went to the police and there were waiting a lot of other people, because all got robbed.
Police cannot patrol outside, because "its to hot". Great place!
This building ist however quite nice..
追尋《霍爾移動城堡》裡的魔法足跡 🔮
Stepping into a fairytale! Built in the 1500s, this medieval-looking Alsatian house was commissioned by a wealthy hatter—just like Sophie, a hatter herself—though much poorer, of course... With its whimsical turrets, wooden balconies, and storybook charm, this place looks straight out of a magical adventure.
Can you picture Howl landing here with Calcifer’s magic?
#HowlsMovingCastle #GhibliVibes #MedievalFantasy #FairytaleTravel #AlsatianTown
Get the souvenir coin! So nice!
Wax of Legends
| Address | 12 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 88 99 44 30 |
Experience Museums (Musées d’Expérience) in Colmar, France offer interactive and immersive cultural experiences that combine history, art, science, and technology in a way that is engaging for visitors of all ages.
Unlike traditional museums that focus mainly on displaying objects, experience museums use modern techniques such as multimedia displays, interactive installations, projections, and hands-on activities to make learning more dynamic.
They are notable for:
- 🎨 Interactive exhibitions suitable for families and children
- 🖥️ Modern multimedia and immersive presentation methods
- 👨👩👧 A family-friendly approach to discovering culture and history
- 🧠 Combining education with entertainment
- 📸 A different museum experience compared with traditional galleries
In Colmar, these types of attractions provide an alternative activity, especially useful on rainy days or for families looking for something beyond historic buildings and outdoor sightseeing.
Experience Museums in Colmar add a modern dimension to the city’s rich cultural scene, complementing famous attractions such as Unterlinden Museum, Musée Bartholdi, and the historic old town.
The wax figures are well-made, and getting to see various famous personalities set up in cool scenes makes for great photos. Plus, the chocolate elements nearby add a sweet bonus to the visit.
I had a wonderful afternoon with my daughter. The museum was fantastic, and the staff were lovely. It was clean and quiet when we visited. I enjoyed the wax figures and the many games on offer: memory, karaoke, quizzes... plus, we could enter our email address to save souvenirs (photos/videos). The ticket price was reasonable (the audio guide is included). I had some difficulty with the audio guide in certain areas for some of the games, but the staff were very helpful and offered to let me go through the activities again. I highly recommend this museum!
My daughter also wanted to share her opinion:
"It was excellent! I loved the stories and the games. I also really enjoyed the wax figures. It was nice of them to let us go through the museum again."
I discovered this museum somewhat by chance after visiting the Chocolate Museum, located in the same building that also houses the Wine Museum.
The tour begins with the legends of Alsace, a captivating theme that allows you to discover the myths and stories that make up the richness of our beautiful region. It then continues through diverse worlds, such as sports, politics, singers, actors, and many other personalities who have left their mark on their era.
As with the Chocolate Museum, everything is very well designed: it's fun, interactive, concise, and fast-paced. You're never bored thanks to the numerous activities throughout the visit. I particularly enjoyed the little general knowledge quiz in the classroom, as well as the karaoke, which was great fun. Plus, you can record your performance and then receive photos or the results of certain activities.
Even though I visited alone, I think it's a perfect museum to visit with family or friends. It's an original, enjoyable, and enriching visit that I highly recommend. A very pleasant surprise!
Great museum! I especially enjoyed the section on Alsatian tales and legends, which was very interesting. You also learn a lot about famous movie stars, singers, and more. There are also several games and activities related to your visit. 👍
Musée de la Glyptographie
| Address | 12 Rue André Kiener, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 06 08 74 37 81 |
A rather interesting museum with a passionate and engaging owner/presenter. The only drawback is that the museum is difficult to access (on the 1st floor of the Piscines des Joyaux building), but this minor problem will soon be resolved with the museum's relocation to a better location.
A truly wonderful discovery during the conference given by the founder, Mr. Oberlin. A passion for glyptography shared with awe. Thank you very much, and we eagerly await the opening of the future museum's premises.
Tips for Visiting Museums in Colmar
To make the most of your cultural excursion, it helps to know a few logistical secrets that locals use. While the museums are welcoming, understanding their ticketing systems and peak hours can significantly enhance your experience. These practical suggestions will help you navigate the collections with ease, save money, and avoid the frustration of unexpected closures.
- Purchase the Colmar City Pass: If you plan to visit three or more attractions, the Colmar City Pass offers excellent value. It typically includes entry to the Unterlinden Museum, the Bartholdi Museum, and the Toy Museum, alongside other city perks.
- Check for Temporary Exhibition Closures: The Unterlinden Museum frequently rotates its modern art wing and temporary exhibits. Before you go, verify that the specific galleries you want to see are open, as installation periods can occasionally close sections of the building.
- Visit During the Lunch Hour: Most tourists in Colmar stop for a long, leisurely Alsatian lunch between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This is the perfect window to visit popular spots like the Unterlinden Museum, as the galleries are often significantly quieter during this time.
- Respect the “No Flash” Rule Strictly: Many collections feature delicate pigments and ancient wood. Flash photography can cause irreversible damage to these artifacts. Ensure your camera settings are adjusted before entering the dark galleries of the Unterlinden cloister.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Colmar’s historic center is entirely pedestrianized, meaning you will be walking on cobblestones all day. Even though the museums are close together, the hard stone floors inside these old buildings can be exhausting; supportive footwear is essential.
- Check for Bilingual Information: While the major museums provide excellent English translations, some smaller, niche museums might have limited signage in languages other than French and German. Downloading a translation app can help you decipher the stories behind smaller artifacts.
Exploring the museums of Colmar offers a rewarding contrast to the bustling canals and wine cellars. They provide a quiet space to reflect on the immense history and artistry that has flowed through this Rhine-side city for centuries. Standing before the Isenheim Altarpiece or walking through the courtyard of the Unterlinden cloister connects you directly to the spiritual and cultural legacy of Alsace.
As you step back out onto the cobblestone streets, you will likely see the half-timbered houses with new eyes. You will understand the hands that built them, the artists who decorated them, and the citizens who fought to preserve them. In Colmar, beauty is not just on the surface; it is carefully curated and waiting for you to discover it.
