Strasbourg Archaeological Museum
Strasbourg's Archaeological Museum traces the history of Alsace and its people, from Prehistory to the first centuries of the Middle Ages. Set in the basement of the Palais Rohan, next to the cathedral, it is the city's oldest museum and one of the most important archaeology museums in France.
Beneath the vaults of the Palais Rohan
Founded in the 18th century, the Archaeological Museum is Strasbourg's oldest museum. Since the late 19th century it has occupied the vast basement of the Palais Rohan, the former residence of the prince-bishops. The atmosphere of these low, softly lit rooms suits the discovery of objects buried for centuries. Upstairs, the palace also houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
From the first hunters to the Merovingians
The route is organised into broad chronological sections: Prehistory, Protohistory, the Gallo-Roman era and the Merovingian period. You follow several millennia of human settlement in Alsace, from the distant origins of the Palaeolithic to the beginning of the Middle Ages. Tools, pottery, jewellery and grave goods tell of the daily life, trade and beliefs of the peoples who followed one another on these Rhineland lands.
Argentoratum before Strasbourg
The collections trace the history of Strasbourg and Alsace over the long term. The Gallo-Roman section recalls that the city grew out of a Roman camp, Argentoratum, set up near the Rhine. Stopping here before wandering the centre helps you understand why the Grande Île, surrounded by water, has always been the heart of the city. An instructive visit, including for children curious about ancient history.
A visit at the foot of the cathedral
The museum is at 2 Place du Château, in the Palais Rohan. It closes on Tuesdays and opens on other days 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). As you leave, the cathedral and the Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame are a few steps away, and Quai des Bateliers, on the other side of the palace, invites a walk along the Ill.
Practical information
Address: 2 Place du Château
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Archaeological Museum?
In the basement of the Palais Rohan, 2 Place du Château, next to the cathedral.
What periods does it cover?
From Prehistory to the first centuries of the Middle Ages, via Protohistory, the Gallo-Roman era and the Merovingian period.
Which day is it closed?
Tuesday. Other days: 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm on weekdays, 10 am-6 pm at weekends. Full price 9 euros, reduced 5 euros.
Wikimedia Commons — Ji-Elle · Wikimedia Commons — Sami Mlouhi
