Archeological Museum, Strasbourg

Archeological Museum, Strasbourg

The Archeological Museum (Musée Archéologique) of Strasbourg stands as the largest among the many museums in Alsace that showcase archaeological discoveries from the region's past, spanning from Prehistory to the Merovingian dynasty era.

The museum's origins trace back to the historian Johann Daniel Schöpflin (1694–1771), who left his collection to the city of Strasbourg. Society for the Conservation of Historical Monuments of Alsace was established in 1855 and played a role in expanding and publicly presenting the city's collections. Unfortunately, a considerable portion of these collections was lost in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War.

Since 1889, the museum has been situated in the basement of Strasbourg's Rohan Castle. Throughout the city's reconstruction and museum development, the Archeological Museum later moved to its current location. In the 20th century, directors Robert Forrer and Jean-Jacques Hatt significantly advanced the systematic study of the Alsatian region and expanded the collection. The museum underwent thorough renovation between 1988 and 1992. Ongoing excavations in and around Strasbourg, due in part to the construction of the new Tramway network, continue to contribute to the museum's growing collection.

The museum offers a comprehensive view of the historical human habitation in the area, starting from the earliest signs of human settlement. A significant emphasis is placed on Argentoratum and its neighboring outposts along the Rhine, such as Seltz (Saliso). Notably, the museum's collection features the well-researched stele of the legionary Caius Largennius. Additionally, it showcases artifacts from Gallo-Roman sanctuaries on Mont Donon and in Mackwiller, along with Merovingian discoveries made around Erstein.

Tip:
Pick up the free leaflets that help you pick out the highlights.

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Archeological Museum on Map

Sight Name: Archeological Museum
Sight Location: Strasbourg, France (See walking tours in Strasbourg)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Strasbourg, France

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