Palais Rohan
Right next to the cathedral, the Palais Rohan is the former residence of the prince-bishops of the House of Rohan, built from 1732 to 1742 to plans by Robert de Cotte. The high point of Baroque architecture in Strasbourg, it now houses three museums: Decorative Arts, Fine Arts and Archaeology. Its façade on the Ill and its state apartments alone are worth the visit.
A palace for a cardinal
Prince-Bishop Armand-Gaston-Maximilien de Rohan, from a great noble family originally from Brittany, commissioned a new palace to replace the old episcopal residence. The plans went to Robert de Cotte, First Architect to the King, and the works, carried out from 1732 to 1742, were run by Laurent Gourlade and then Joseph Massol. The result brought grand Parisian taste to Strasbourg: a mansion between courtyard and terrace on a scale fit for a prince.
A façade facing the Ill
On the town side, you enter the main courtyard through a great gateway treated as a monumental arch, facing the cathedral. On the river side, the main façade stretches across seventeen bays, with a central section of four engaged columns topped by a triangular pediment. It overlooks a terrace on the Ill. To admire it, cross the river and look back from the opposite quay, where the dignity of this classical composition shows best.
The Rohan apartments
The Museum of Decorative Arts includes the original royal and cardinals' apartments. The state apartments face south onto the Ill terrace, the private apartments north onto the courtyard. These rooms received distinguished guests: the palace was illuminated on 5 October 1744 for the arrival of Louis XV, and one bedroom bears Napoleon's name, though how much he actually used it is debated. Panelling, furniture and decoration recreate the atmosphere of an 18th-century princely court.
Three museums under one roof
Since the late 19th century the palace has housed three city museums. The Archaeological Museum occupies the basement, the Museum of Decorative Arts the ground floor with the apartments, and the Museum of Fine Arts the upper floors. Listed as a historic monument since 20 January 1920, the palace easily fills several hours. Pick one or two museums to suit your tastes, and keep time for the courtyard and terrace, right beside the cathedral.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Palais Rohan?
In the heart of the Grande Île, right beside the cathedral: the main courtyard opens towards the cathedral, and the main façade overlooks the Ill.
Which museums are in the Palais Rohan?
Three city museums: the Archaeological Museum in the basement, the Museum of Decorative Arts with the Rohan apartments on the ground floor, and the Museum of Fine Arts upstairs.
Can you visit the cardinals' apartments?
Yes, they are part of the Museum of Decorative Arts tour. Opening times and prices are set by the Strasbourg city museums, so check their website before you go.
What is next to the Palais Rohan?
The cathedral and its astronomical clock are a few steps away, as is the Maison Kammerzell. Cross the Ill for the best view of the palace façade from the quays.
Wikimedia Commons — Weis, Jean-Martin ((graveur)). Fonction indéterminée Le Bas, J. Ph. ((graveur)). · Wikimedia Commons — Radek Kucharski
