Every first Sunday of the month, Strasbourg’s municipal museums open their doors for free. Whether you're into painting, history, design, or Alsatian heritage, there’s something for everyone – and it won’t cost you a penny. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore permanent collections, catch a temporary exhibition, or finally step into a museum you’ve always meant to visit.
Which museums are free on the first Sunday of the month in Strasbourg?
Nine municipal museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month:
- Aubette 1928, a Bauhaus masterpiece in the city centre.
- Musée Alsacien, a deep dive into Alsatian traditions and daily life.
- Musée Archéologique, exploring the region’s history from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
- Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCS), home to works by Monet, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Kandinsky.
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs, located in the Palais Rohan, featuring furniture, ceramics, and decorative arts.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts, showcasing European paintings from the 14th to the 19th century.
- Musée Historique, a must-see to understand Strasbourg’s evolution.
- Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame, dedicated to medieval art and original sculptures from the cathedral.
- Musée Tomi Ungerer – International Centre for Illustration, displaying works by the famous Strasbourg-born illustrator.
The Musée Zoologique is currently closed for renovation but is expected to reopen later this year.
Which museums should you visit first? My recommendations
Visiting every museum in one day is impossible. If you need to prioritise, here are my top picks.
Musée Historique is my personal favourite. You can’t truly understand Strasbourg without visiting it. It offers a fascinating journey through the city’s evolution from the Middle Ages to the present day, with interactive exhibits and remarkable artefacts. The highlight? A giant 1727 relief map of Strasbourg, a precise replica showing the city as it was under Louis XV.
Thibaut
MAMCS is a must for art lovers. The collection spans from the 19th century to contemporary art, featuring works by Monet, Kandinsky, and Niki de Saint Phalle. The museum’s striking architecture is just as impressive as its exhibitions. And if you need a break, the Art Café overlooking the Ill river is a great spot to unwind.
Thibaut
Palais Rohan is perfect if you want variety. With three museums in one historic location, it’s a great way to explore different themes without walking too far.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: A collection of European masterpieces from Botticelli to Goya.
- Musée Archéologique: A look back at Strasbourg’s earliest inhabitants, from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs: A glimpse into the lavish apartments of the Rohan princes, with exquisite ceramics, tapestries, and furniture.
You can easily visit all three in a single day while taking in the grandeur of the palace itself.
Other free cultural sites in Strasbourg
If you’re looking for more cultural experiences that don’t cost a thing, some places in Strasbourg offer free admission all year round.
The Lieu d’Europe, owned by the Council of Europe, delves into the history of European integration and Strasbourg’s role as a European capital. It regularly hosts exhibitions, talks, and cultural events.
The Parlamentarium at the European Parliament is an interactive space where visitors can learn more about the EU’s institutions and how they work. It’s a great way to complete a visit to the European district.
Thibaut
With all these options, there’s no excuse not to explore Strasbourg’s museums. Whether you’re after a quick cultural fix or a full day of discovery, the free first Sunday of the month is the perfect chance to experience the city’s heritage in a new way.
