Tomi Ungerer Museum, International Centre for Illustration
The Tomi Ungerer Museum is devoted to Strasbourg-born illustrator Tomi Ungerer (1931-2019), who gave his home town some 14,000 drawings. Opened in 2007 in the Villa Greiner on Avenue de la Marseillaise, it shows his children's books, satirical and advertising drawings, as well as work by other illustrators.
A gift from a son of Strasbourg
Born in Strasbourg in 1931 and died in 2019, Tomi Ungerer made his home town the keeper of a substantial collection: drawings, archives, toys and magazines. The museum holds about 14,000 of his drawings. Because paper is sensitive to light, they are shown in rotation, so the display changes regularly and a second visit never looks quite like the first.
Three sides of one pen
The themed route reveals Ungerer's range: the children's book illustrations that made him famous, satirical and advertising drawings, and also erotic works. If you come with children, ask at the desk how this adult section is presented. You come away with a sense of the biting humour and freedom of an artist who never stuck to a single register.
A centre for illustration at large
The museum is also called the International Centre for Illustration: beyond Ungerer, it shows 20th- and 21st-century illustrators according to its programme. These temporary exhibitions make it a key venue for drawing and illustrated books in Strasbourg. Check the programme to see which artist is featured.
Near the Théâtre National
The museum stands at 2 Avenue de la Marseillaise, on the edge of the Neustadt, the German imperial district, not far from Place de la République. 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). Afterwards, a stroll to Place de la République and its monumental buildings follows naturally.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Tomi Ungerer Museum?
At 2 Avenue de la Marseillaise, in the Villa Greiner, on the edge of the Neustadt.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, his children's books are central to the visit; the museum also shows erotic drawings, so ask at the desk.
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.
Wikimedia Commons — Claude TRUONG-NGOC · Wikimedia Commons — Txllxt TxllxT
