Musée de Sismologie et de Magnétisme Terrestre, Strasbourg

Musée de Sismologie et de Magnétisme Terrestre, Strasbourg

The Strasbourg Museum of Seismology and Terrestrial Magnetism sits opposite the University of Strasbourg's Botanical Garden. Linked to the School and Observatory of Earth Sciences (EOST), it showcases a varied array of tools for seismic measurement and monitoring shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Housed in Strasbourg's former seismological station, the museum exhibits the evolving instruments.

The very first distant earthquake from Asia was recorded in Strasbourg on December 19, 1892, within the cellars of the astronomical observatory. The official seismological station of Strasbourg was inaugurated on July 1, 1900, located in the university gardens. This marked the beginning of seismology activities in Strasbourg. As the surrounding urban development increased, the recordings were getting affected by unwanted signals, leading to the decision of relocating the instruments outside the city.

In 1992, the museum was established to celebrate the century of earthquake recording in Strasbourg. This initiative involved renovating and setting up the old instruments from the seismological station within the original station's premises. These instruments are now on display for knowledgeable visitors. The museum showcases a collection of tools designed to record changes in the Earth's magnetic field. These tools were used until the 1980s in the scientific research bases of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. The museum became accessible to a broader audience in 1996 and attracts around 6,000 visitors annually, including school groups. Its exhibitions cover the history of seismology in Strasbourg, the challenges of polar exploration, and scientific endeavors related to these fields.

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Musée de Sismologie et de Magnétisme Terrestre on Map

Sight Name: Musée de Sismologie et de Magnétisme Terrestre
Sight Location: Strasbourg, France (See walking tours in Strasbourg)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Strasbourg, France

Create Your Own Walk in Strasbourg

Create Your Own Walk in Strasbourg

Creating your own self-guided walk in Strasbourg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Famous Squares Walking Tour

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Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.

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Strasbourg Introduction Walking Tour

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Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Strasbourg Downtown Walking Tour

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Historical Churches Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles