A trip to the museum in and around Mulhouse

Alsace in high gear: Mulhouse museums dedicated to transport

Attention mechanical enthusiasts: when it comes to transport, Mulhouse's museums in Alsace are going into second gear!

If you're a car enthusiast, you're bound to find what you're looking for at the Musée national de l'Automobile - collection Schlumpf. Housed in the former Mulhouse textile spinning mill, this museum, the only one of its kind in France, traces the history of the automobile from its birth to the present day. See the iconic cars that have made history, be surprised by some unusual models and immerse yourself in the exciting world of motor racing. Augmented and virtual reality, interactive animations and immersive experiences... You'll never run out of activities to try out in Mulhouse's museums!

If you prefer rails to wheels, Mulhouse also has something for you. The Cité du Train - Patrimoine SNCF (Europe's largest railway museum!) takes you on an extraordinary journey through the history of the French railways. Hundreds of exceptional carriages, trains and locomotives await you. The highlight of the visit? Open for over 50 years, this huge museum is a master in the art of immersion. Spend a morning learning how to manoeuvre an engine, discover the cabs of legendary locomotives or take part in a themed escape game. Mulhouse's museums are on the move!

Alsace in days gone by: the historic museums of Mulhouse and the surrounding area

Immerse yourself in the art of living in Alsace and the history of France by visiting Mulhouse's museums!

Start your historical escapade with a visit to the town, a veritable open-air museum! As you wander through the narrow streets and listen to your guide's anecdotes, you'll discover the great names of Mulhouse's iconic street art artists. From spontaneous works to those commissioned by the city, you'll travel from one surprise to the next as you explore the different worlds and colourful streets.

Did your visit to the city pique your curiosity? To extend this 100% local experience, head to the Écomusée d'Alsace, France's largest open-air museum (about twenty minutes from Mulhouse). In a 20th-century village, put yourself in the shoes of an Alsatian of the time. Discover typical half-timbered houses, meet craftsmen and women, enjoy traditional Alsatian festivals and take part in workshops on local gastronomy... It's the perfect museum for stepping back in time near Mulhouse!

To continue your walk in the fresh air, the Parc de Wesserling - Ecomusée du textile, about thirty minutes from Mulhouse, is the ideal place! More than just a museum, this huge 42-hectare park immerses you in the textile industry of the 19th century. Stroll between the "Remarkable Gardens", the prestigious exhibitions in the château and the factories scattered around the park. A fascinating journey into the world of fabric manufacture awaits you in this former "Royal Manufactory".

: Mulhouse is in Alsace, in north-east France. It is less than 150 kilometres from other major towns in the Grand Est region, such as Colmar and Strasbourg.

: Mulhouse, the perfect city for an enriching cultural outing! Explore the collections of its museums during your stay and discover all the well-kept secrets of Alsace.

Here is a list of museums to discover in Mulhouse and the surrounding area:

- The National Automobile Museum - Schlumpf Collection
- La Cité du Train - SNCF heritage
- La Grange à Bécane - Lemoine Collection
- The Alsace Ecomuseum
- The Museum of Painted Paper
- The Mine and Potash Museum
- The Historical Museum (housed in Mulhouse town hall!)
- The Mulhouse Museum of Fine Arts
- The Museum of Textile Printing
- The Electropolis Museum
- The Kunsthalle Mulhouse (contemporary art space)

All museum visits in Alsace

: Attention art lovers! Like the emblematic Alsatian cities of Strasbourg and Colmar, Mulhouse takes art very seriously! The many works of street art that adorn its streets bear witness to this. As well as open-air art, several of Mulhouse's museums have collections devoted to all forms of artistic practice.

Here is a list of Mulhouse museums dedicated to art:

- The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Mulhouse has collections dating from the 15th to the 20th century. Perfect for brushing up on your art history!
- The Kunsthalle Mulhouse showcases temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art.
- The Musée du Papier peint showcases a collection dedicated to the decorative arts of wallpaper. An unusual place in Mulhouse!
- The Musée des Impressions sur Étoffes showcases impressive collections of artistic fabric printing.

The Écomusée d'Alsace showcases local know-how, with craftspeople on hand to pass on their secrets to the curious.

: A city with a rich industrial history, whose streets are dotted with street art, Mulhouse is in itself a veritable open-air museum. Once you've explored the city's museums, don't forget to discover its historic monuments!

Here's a list of things to do in Mulhouse:

- Savour Alsatian gastronomy at the market
- Take a photo of yourself on the Place de la Réunion, with the town hall in the background
- Wander through the shops and workshops of local craftsmen to find a souvenir
- Discover the town in an escape game
- Enjoy the magic of the festive season at the Christmas market
- Admire the panoramic view of the city from Mulhouse's towers: the Bollwerk Tower and the Tour de l'Europe

: For your museum outing, booking your ticket will depend on the activity you want to do. Although self-guided tours generally do not require a reservation, we still advise you to buy your tickets in advance. This will enable you to avoid queuing at the entrance to the museum or park, especially during busy periods. For guided tours, workshops and special events, you will need to reserve your place: the number of participants may be limited!