Musée d'Histoire de Belfort
Municipal museum in the Citadel of Belfort: archaeology, the work of Bartholdi and the military history of the town.
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About the museum
The museum was founded in 1872 at the initiative of the Société belfortaine d’émulation. It was then the city’s only museum, before the collections were spread across several sites. The history section now occupies former military buildings in the Citadel, on three levels.
The basement presents local archaeology, including Neolithic material from the Cravanche caves, pottery from Offemont, Gallo-Roman mosaics from Bavilliers and burials from the Burgundian period. The first floor has been devoted to Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Lion of Belfort, since March 2011. On the second floor, military history rests on the collection donated by Pierre Boigeol in 1968, which comprises more than 800 items relating, among other things, to the 1870–1871 siege, as well as Japanese samurai armour.
The museum has held the “Musée de France” label since 2003. In spring 2026, some of the display cases are being gradually reworked. The entrance ticket also gives access to the Lion Terrace.
Highlights
- Local archaeology: Cravanche caves, Gallo-Roman mosaics from Bavilliers
- Area devoted to Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Lion of Belfort
- Military collection from the Boigeol donation (more than 800 items)
- Memories of the 1870–1871 siege of Belfort
- Japanese samurai armour
- Lion Terrace with a view over the town
Permanent exhibitions
- Archéologie – Prehistoric, Gallo-Roman and Burgundian-period finds from Belfort and the surrounding area.
- Auguste Bartholdi – Space devoted to the sculptor from Colmar, creator of the Lion of Belfort.
- Histoire militaire – Collection of weapons, uniforms and objects relating to the 1870–1871 siege and other conflicts.
- Founded
- 1872
- Operated by
- Ville de Belfort
- Visitors per year
- approx. 24,158
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | –Museum activities and guided tours are free for under-18s. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Guided tours all year round by reservation for groups of 15 or more. |
| Lion Terrace only | €1 |
| Activity or guided tour of the museum (adult) | €6By reservation; free for under-18s. |
Single price of €5 for the History Museum and the Lion Terrace. Free guided tours of the Citadel (Cour d’Honneur, discovery route, the great underground passage) are offered according to the season’s programme, without reservation.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
During school holidays, the museum offers workshops for 4–6-year-olds and 7–12-year-olds, workshops to share between child and adult, and scavenger hunts. Booking is required; free for under-18s, €6 per accompanying adult (spring 2026 programme).
Getting there & parking
By car
The Xavier Bauer car park serves as a meeting point for some activities at the Citadel.
The museum is located in the Citadel, Rue Xavier Bauer.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Café-restaurant in the Citadel (opening announced for March 1 for the 2026 season); souvenirs sold at the site’s outlets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Museum activities and guided tours are by reservation only, by phone at 03 84 54 56 40 or by email at mediationmusees@mairie-belfort.fr. Guided tours for groups of 15 or more are available all year round, by reservation. |
