Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame
The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame presents the art of Strasbourg and the Upper Rhine, from the Romanesque period to 1681. Housed on Place du Château, in the historic home of the foundation in charge of the cathedral, it keeps the building's original statues, stained glass, altarpieces and paintings. It is the perfect complement to a cathedral visit, just opposite.
The cathedral builders' house
The museum occupies the historic house of the Œuvre Notre-Dame foundation, responsible for building and then maintaining the cathedral. Since the 13th century the place has served as the administrative office of the worksite, which has never truly stopped. Its decorated interiors, courtyards and old-world atmosphere are part of the visit: you walk through a building that has seen generations of stonemasons and architects.
The cathedral statues, up close
The museum keeps original statues from the cathedral, replaced by copies on the façade to protect them. Seeing them here, at eye level, reveals details invisible from the street. It also holds stained glass from the cathedral and regional churches, architectural fragments and Gothic architectural drawings, the plans drawn by the worksite's master builders.
Witz, Baldung, Stoskopff
For sculpture, the museum shows works by Nicolas Gerhaert of Leyden; for stained glass, by Peter Hemmel of Andlau. Paintings include Konrad Witz, Hans Baldung Grien and Sébastien Stoskopff, Strasbourg's master of still life. Tapestries and altarpieces complete a collection that covers Rhineland art up to Strasbourg's union with France in 1681.
A Gothic garden and a handy ticket
The museum has a small recreated Gothic garden, offering a glimpse of the plants used in the Middle Ages. It is open every day except Monday, from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 6 pm at weekends; admission is 9 euros (5 euros reduced). Good to know: a ticket for the cathedral platform gives a discount, valid for two weeks after purchase.
Practical information
Address: 3 Place du Château
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame?
At 3 Place du Château, facing the cathedral and next to the Palais Rohan.
Why visit if you've seen the cathedral?
Because it keeps the cathedral's original statues and stained glass, seen up close, along with its builders' Gothic plans.
What are the opening hours and prices?
Every day except Monday, 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm on weekdays, 10 am-6 pm at weekends. Full price 9 euros, reduced 5 euros, with a discount for cathedral platform ticket holders.
What to combine it with?
With the cathedral and its platform, then the Palais Rohan museums, all on Place du Château.
Wikimedia Commons — Mister No · Wikimedia Commons — Valentin R.
