The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame, located at 3 place du Château in the historic centre of Strasbourg in the Bas-Rhin department of the Grand Est region, houses the original sculptural and decorative art removed from Strasbourg Cathedral and replaced by replicas in situ — making it the essential companion to a visit to the cathedral itself. The museum occupies a complex of medieval and Renaissance buildings constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries to serve as the administrative headquarters of the cathedral's building workshop (the Œuvre Notre-Dame), which funded and oversaw the cathedral's construction and ongoing maintenance. This institution, one of the oldest continuously operating cultural bodies in Europe, still functions today. The permanent collection spans Rhineland art and architecture from the 11th to the 17th century and is organised across three main areas. The first contains original medieval sculptures removed from the cathedral façade, including celebrated tympanum figures, column statues, and the original Synagoga and Ecclesia figures — widely regarded as among the finest surviving examples of 13th-century French monumental sculpture. The second area covers Rhineland panel painting and stained glass from the medieval and early Renaissance periods, with works from workshops active in Strasbourg, Colmar, and the Upper Rhine between the 14th and early 16th centuries. The third presents architectural drawings of the cathedral itself, including original parchment plans dating from around 1260 that are among the oldest surviving architectural drawings in Europe. The museum complex also includes a notable Renaissance courtyard (1582) decorated with carved reliefs and inscriptions, and two medieval garden spaces reconstructing plantings of a 14th-century cloister. Admission is €7.50 and is included in the Strasbourg Museum Pass.
Location
3 place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg
48.5819, 7.7506 View on map
Highlights
- Original 13th-century cathedral Synagoga and Ecclesia statues, replaced by copies on the cathedral west façade
- Parchment architectural drawings (c. 1260) — among the oldest surviving building plans in Europe
- Rhineland medieval and early Renaissance panel paintings and stained glass from the Upper Rhine workshops
- Renaissance courtyard (1582) with carved reliefs, part of the original Œuvre Notre-Dame workshop complex
- Medieval cloister garden reconstructing 14th-century plantings, open seasonally
Tips for visiting
- Visit before or after the cathedral to compare the original sculptures directly with their in-situ replicas.
- The parchment architectural drawings require careful attention — allow time in the dedicated plans gallery.
- Admission is included in the Strasbourg Museum Pass (€15 for 3 days), which covers multiple city museums.
- The museum closes on Tuesdays — plan accordingly when scheduling a combined cathedral and museum visit.
- The medieval garden is most enjoyable in spring and early summer when seasonal plantings are at their best.
Accessibility
Parts of the medieval building complex have uneven original floors and stone steps not fully suitable for wheelchairs. A partially step-free itinerary is available; visitors with specific mobility needs should enquire at the entrance for the current accessible route.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Room texts are primarily in French. English-language brochures covering the main collections are available at the entrance, and audio guides in English can be rented at the front desk.
How long does a thorough visit take?
A full visit covering the sculpture galleries, panel paintings, and architectural drawings typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The courtyard and garden add a further 20 minutes.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Parts of the medieval building complex have uneven floors and historic stone steps. A partially accessible itinerary is available; visitors with mobility requirements should enquire at the entrance.