Château Montbéliard Wurtemberg

About the museum

The castle stands on a rocky spur overlooking the town. A fortified stronghold has existed here since the 10th century; the counts of Montbéliard later enlarged the complex. The dukes of Württemberg lived here for about four centuries, from 1397 to 1793, and the castle remained the symbol of their dynasty.

Under the dukes, the Henriette tower was built in 1424 and the Frédéric tower in 1595. The gentlemen’s quarters, built between 1595 and 1599 by the architect Heinrich Schickhardt, housed the music conservatoire from 1970 to 2023 and are awaiting restoration. The central block was rebuilt in the mid-18th century. The church was demolished in 1810, and the freed-up space became the public esplanade.

The castle museum brings together more than 500,000 objects from archaeology, natural sciences, ethnology, fine arts and contemporary art, covering 300 million years. Its first donations date back to 1850. After more than a year of closure, it partially reopened on December 21, 2024 with a new historical circuit, the first stage of a wider transformation.

The city of Montbéliard also runs the Museum of Art and History in the Hôtel Beurnier-Rossel, which has its own address.

Highlights

• Castle of the dukes of Württemberg with the Henriette and Frédéric towers
• New historical circuit opened at the end of 2024
• Collection of more than 500,000 objects spanning 300 million years
• Castle esplanade, open to all free of charge
• Family game trail with ten objects to find

Permanent exhibition

• Circuit historique du château – The circuit tells the story of the castle and its occupants through objects and multimedia displays, from the medieval fortress to the dukes of Württemberg.

Operated by

Ville de Montbéliard

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month.

The castle ticket is valid for one year. The esplanade and the archives reading room (after registration with ID) are free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Six rooms on the circuit are fully wheelchair accessible; other rooms are reached by two or three steps. A lift serves the first floor and the second and third floors, and handrails help on the stairs. Around twenty audio multimedia points are designed for visually impaired visitors. Induction loops are installed at reception and in the shop; the multimedia content is subtitled in French, English and German. Two accessible parking spaces are opposite the entrance. Booking is strongly recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

Family game trail with ten objects to find and decode. Babies are welcome, with baby-changing tables in the first-floor toilets. The route is not suitable for strollers; baby carriers are lent subject to availability. The castle tower has 260 steps.

Getting there & parking

Address: Cour du Château, 25200 Montbéliard.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

No food service. Shop with magnets, postcards, toys, novels and art books. Free individual lockers for bags and helmets; suitcases are not admitted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit