Musée Archéologique De Strasbourg

Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located beneath the historic Palais Rohan in the heart of Strasbourg, the Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg is one of France’s most prominent archaeological museums. The museum’s extensive collections trace over 600,000 years of human history in Alsace, from the earliest Paleolithic tools to artifacts from the Gallo-Roman and Merovingian eras. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a family seeking educational experiences, or a scholar interested in ongoing research, the museum provides a comprehensive, immersive gateway into the region’s ancient past. This guide consolidates everything you need to plan your visit, including opening hours, ticket options, accessibility details, exhibition highlights, and travel tips, ensuring you make the most of your experience in Strasbourg (enjoystrasbourg.com, musees.strasbourg.eu, visitstrasbourg.fr).

Historical Overview

Origins and Development

The museum’s origins date back to the late 18th century, when Jean-Daniel Schœpflin bequeathed his collection of antiquities to the city. Subsequent efforts by the Société pour la conservation des monuments historiques d’Alsace (SCMHA) and significant archaeological activity, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, have shaped the museum’s holdings. Notably, discoveries from large-scale excavations—such as those during the construction of Strasbourg’s railway station and, more recently, the A355 motorway—have continually enriched its collections (musees.strasbourg.eu).

Since 1896, the museum has been housed in the vaulted basement of the Palais Rohan, offering a unique setting that enhances the impact of its archaeological displays.

Archaeological Significance

Strasbourg’s location at the crossroads of Europe has made it a focal point for various civilizations. The museum’s collections reflect this, with artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic era through the Roman settlement of Argentoratum and the early medieval period. The institution is recognized as a “classed” museum, underlining the breadth and coherence of its archaeological holdings (musees.strasbourg.eu).

Collections and Exhibition Highlights

Chronological and Thematic Galleries

Prehistory and Protohistory:
Explore stone tools, ceramics, and ornaments from Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age cultures. Burial goods and reconstructed sites illuminate life and rituals of early Alsatian communities (visit.alsace).
Gallo-Roman Era:
Artifacts from the Roman camp of Argentoratum include military equipment, everyday domestic objects, mosaics, altars, and the renowned Stèle du légionnaire Largennius. The Mithraeum of Koenigshoffen highlights Roman religious practices (visit.alsace).
Merovingian and Early Medieval Period:
Jewelry, weapons, and Christian relics from the Merovingian and Carolingian periods testify to the region’s transformation in the early Middle Ages (visitstrasbourg.fr).
Modern and Renaissance Eras:
Art, weaponry, and domestic artifacts from later periods illustrate continuity and change in Alsatian society (enjoystrasbourg.com).

Notable Exhibits

Mithraeum of Koenigshoffen:
A unique Roman sanctuary dedicated to Mithras, offering insights into religious diversity.
Bronze Age Necropolis:
Complete burial sets display funerary customs and social hierarchies.
Merovingian Jewelry and Weaponry:
Fine examples of early medieval craftsmanship.
Temporary Exhibitions:
The 2025–2026 “Un passé incontournable” exhibition features recent discoveries from the A355 motorway project, highlighting new research and archaeological methods (coze.fr, musees.strasbourg.eu).

Educational and Family Features

Interactive trails, games, and observation booklets make the museum engaging for children and families. Thematic tours, reconstructed scenes, and dioramas help visitors visualize everyday life across eras. Audio guides and multilingual panels support a rich, accessible learning environment (en.musees.strasbourg.eu).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Regular Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00 on weekdays; 10:00–18:00 on weekends.
Closed: Tuesdays, January 1, Good Friday, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25.
Special Closures: Temporary closures may occur for maintenance or renovations. Always check the official website before visiting.

Tickets and Admission

Standard Ticket: €7.50
Reduced Ticket: €3.50 (for students, seniors, other eligible visitors)
Day Pass: €16 (reduced €8) for access to all city museums
Three-Day Pass: €20 (reduced €16) for unlimited museum entry over three days
Free Entry: Under-18s, disabled visitors, and all visitors on the first Sunday of each month
Pass’Alsace and Strasbourg City Pass: Available for broader discounts and access (enjoystrasbourg.com)
Purchase: Tickets can be bought onsite or online via the museum’s website.

Accessibility and Facilities

Physical Accessibility: Step-free access and facilities for visitors with reduced mobility.
Restrooms, Cloakroom, and Lockers: Available on-site.
Museum Shop: Offers books, souvenirs, and educational materials.
Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages.
Photography: Non-flash photography is generally permitted; some exhibits may have restrictions.
Family and Group Services: Interactive displays, educational programs, and special group rates. Advance booking recommended for groups and guided tours.

Getting There

Address: 2 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Public Transport:
- Tram: Lines A or D (Langstross Grand’Rue stop)
- Bus: Lines 14 and 24 (Ancienne Douane stop)
- Car: Public parking at Quai au Sable; drop-off at Ancienne Douane

Travel Tips and Experience Enhancements

Plan at least 90 minutes for your visit to fully explore the collections.
Combine your visit with the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée des Arts Décoratifs, both located in the same complex.
Best visiting times: Weekday mornings or late afternoons are usually less crowded.
Nearby attractions: Strasbourg Cathedral and the historic city center are within walking distance.
Language: Exhibition labels are in French and English; audio guides recommended for additional languages.
Download the Audiala app for audio tours and extra content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg’s opening hours?
A: Wednesday to Monday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00 on weekdays; 10:00–18:00 on weekends. Closed Tuesdays and certain holidays.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets can be bought onsite or online via the museum’s official website.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with reduced mobility?
A: Yes, there is step-free access and support facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages for individuals, families, and groups. Advance booking is recommended for groups.

Q: Can I take photos inside the museum?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; some restrictions may apply.

Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: Yes, several public parking facilities are within walking distance.

Conclusion

The Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg offers a unique and comprehensive window into the ancient and medieval history of Alsace. Its carefully curated collections, dynamic temporary exhibitions, and family-friendly amenities make it a top destination for visitors seeking to explore Strasbourg’s past. Plan your visit by consulting the latest information on the museum’s website, take advantage of city pass offers, and consider pairing your visit with nearby historical sites for a richer experience. Whether you are passionate about archaeology or simply curious about the region’s heritage, the museum promises a rewarding journey through time.

Sources and Further Reading

Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Exploring Strasbourg’s Historical Treasures (enjoystrasbourg.com)
Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg: A Comprehensive Guide to History, Collections, and Visiting Information (musees.strasbourg.eu)
Visiting the Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg: Hours, Tickets, and Must-See Historical Exhibits (visit.alsace)
Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide (musees.strasbourg.eu)
Un passé incontournable: Découvertes archéologiques de la A355 (coze.fr)
Musée Archéologique de Strasbourg – Discover the Archaeological Museum (visitstrasbourg.fr)