Musée de sismologie et collections de géophysique

About the museum

In the 19th century, after the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, the German Empire wanted to make the Imperial University of Strasbourg a leading university. Seismology was then a new science, and in 1899 it was decided to set up a seismological station in the campus garden in the Neustadt. The “Imperial Central Station for Seismological Research” was inaugurated in 1900 and became the collection centre for observations from across the Empire.

Strasbourg played an important role in international seismology: conferences were held there from 1901, and the International Seismological Association, founded in 1904, set up its central office there. The building was designed to protect the instruments from vibrations, humidity and temperature changes: it is partly underground, surrounded by several enclosing walls, and its pillars, 2.30 m deep, are isolated from the ground.

The seismic stations had to move away from the city, which had become too noisy, and the station became a museum in 1996. It is attached to the École et Observatoire des sciences de la Terre and managed by the Jardin des sciences of the University of Strasbourg. A first room traces the history of seismology; most of the scientific instruments are still in their original location.

Highlights

• Former Imperial seismological station of 1900
• Wiechert seismometers of 1903 and 1907
• Large pendulum known as the “19 tonnes”
• Mainka seismograph
• Room devoted to the history of seismology
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Salle de découverte de l'histoire de la sismologie – A chronological route through the major stages and key figures of seismology in Strasbourg.
• La station historique et ses instruments – The original observatory with the Wiechert seismometers, the 19-tonne pendulum and other instruments in their original location.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Université de Strasbourg (Jardin des sciences)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Access to the museum is free and requires no reservation; only guided tours are paid.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 first level is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; the basement is not. Access is via the university gardens.

Kids & families

The guided tour is recommended from age 15; the self-guided visit is free.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the heart of the historic university campus garden in the Neustadt; entrance through the university gardens, 7 rue de l’Université.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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