Écomusée d'Alsace

About the museum

The Écomusée d'Alsace grew out of a movement to save rural heritage. In 1971, a group of history and archaeology students led by Marc Grodwohl restored and dismantled houses threatened with demolition in Gommersdorf. The association Maisons paysannes d'Alsace was founded in 1973. Since the buildings could not be kept on their original sites, it decided to take them down and rebuild them faithfully, following the model of ecomuseums.

The town of Ungersheim, between Mulhouse and Colmar, provided a piece of wasteland. The first house, the house from Kœtzingue, was rebuilt there in 1980 with support from the Haut-Rhin département. Nineteen more buildings followed by 1984. The museum opened to the public on June 1, 1984, and drew about 75,000 visitors in its first year.

Today the open-air museum presents about 80 buildings, from half-timbered houses and workshops to farms, with everyday objects, tools and craftspeople's demonstrations. It holds the “Musée de France” label and is run by an association of about 300 volunteers.

Highlights

• About 80 Alsatian buildings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, rebuilt on site
• More than a dozen demonstrations a day: forge, pottery, a traditional schoolroom
• Animals of heritage and local breeds: horses, donkeys, cows, sheep, poultry
• Natural areas, gardens and more than 120 picnic tables
• Seasonal events: apple festival, visit from Saint Nicholas

Permanent exhibition

• Collection de bâtiments du musée de plein air – About 80 Alsatian houses, workshops and farms rebuilt on the site, with furnished interiors, stables and craftspeople's workshops.

Founded

1984

Operated by

Association de l'Écomusée d'Alsace

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museums-PASS-Musées and the Pass Alsace. The ticket gives access to the day's demonstrations; no reservation is needed for the visit. Payment in cash, by cheque, bank card or Chèques-Vacances.

Accessibility

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

The paths are gravel, which can make it hard for wheelchairs and strollers to get around. Wheelchairs are lent free of charge at reception. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Hands-on activities, craft demonstrations and encounters with animals. Children's birthday parties with a little farmer's costume, a workshop of your choice and a snack. A carousel is located on the Place des Artisans.

Getting there & parking

Chemin du Grosswald, 68190 Ungersheim, between Mulhouse (20 min) and Colmar (30 min). The museum is not listed in GPS systems: use the coordinates 47°51'7,4"N ; 7°17'6"E.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant La Taverne, the self-service L'Auberge d'Hégenheim and a bakery (tarte flambée, snacks, pastries). Eight shaded picnic areas with more than 120 tables. The shop can be entered without a ticket from 11:00 to 17:00 on opening days.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 700 guests.

Several spaces can be hired, including the Halle des Fêtes, the Salle des Charpentiers, the Salle de la Gare and the Salle de Muespach; events for 10 to 700 people.

Plan your visit