Centre Schweitzer

About the museum

The Centre Schweitzer is in Kaysersberg, on the street where Albert Schweitzer was born on January 14, 1875. The birthplace, probably dating from the 17th century, was bought by the Protestant community in 1862 to serve as a presbytery. Next to it stands the town’s former guardhouse, built in 1807–1808 by the engineer Gouget; from 1885 it served as a railway waiting room and later as a forester’s house, and from 1954 it was extended by the architect Jean Du Cailar.

On June 25, 1967, the town of Kaysersberg opened the Albert Schweitzer Museum in this guardhouse, devoted to the hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, which the doctor had founded in 1913. The Protestant parish had set up a small memorial room in the birthplace the same year. In 1980 the architects Gustave Stoskopf and Jean-Pierre Hoog were commissioned to rethink the museum: the birthplace was linked to the municipal museum, and the new museum opened in 1981.

Work to extend and restructure the site began in autumn 2019, and the Centre Schweitzer opened on August 2, 2023. The permanent route revolves around the Nobel Peace Prize that Albert Schweitzer received and the idea of peace in his work, according to the principle “la paix par la paix.” The scenography, by Mireille Kintz and Richard Klein of the Michel Spitz Architectes group, uses digital technologies to encourage reflection and critical thinking.

Highlights

• Permanent route on the Nobel Peace Prize and the thinking of Albert Schweitzer
• Multimedia scenography with audio stations
• Albert Schweitzer’s birthplace, linked to the centre
• Immersive one-hour detective game
• Urban interpretation trail and Albert Schweitzer path

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent du Centre Schweitzer – Multimedia route on Albert Schweitzer’s Nobel Peace Prize and the idea of peace in his work, according to the principle “la paix par la paix.”

Founded

1967

Admission & discounts

The ticket for the permanent route includes the temporary exhibitions. Free admission for visitors under 18, group escorts, schools of Kaysersberg Vignoble and reconnaissance visits. Payment in cash, by bank card or by cheque.

Accessibility

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

The building is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility: a staircase and a ramp on the forecourt lead to the reception at ground level, and the visit route and toilets are served by a lift. An induction loop is installed along the route for compatible hearing aids. An audio guide is available for visually impaired visitors, and adapted guided tours can be booked. The mediation service organizes tours and workshops adapted to people with intellectual or psychological disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children’s workshops and an immersive detective game, open to all ages, with a youth rate; book by phone or by email.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop and bookshop are open without a ticket during opening hours and offer eco-friendly products as well as books on peace.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit