Musée des métiers du bois de Labaroche

About the museum

The idea for the museum arose in 1989 at a preparatory meeting for a timber sale, where foresters, woodcutters and local officials proposed showcasing the forest heritage of the Labaroche plateau. The project was also meant to bring new life to a village that was increasingly becoming a place where residents worked elsewhere.

The commune supported the project from 1990 onward. Volunteers recovered machines and tools from old workshops, including those of clog makers, joiners and sharpeners, then dismantled and numbered them so they could be reassembled later. This work amounted to around 47,000 hours over ten years. By 1996, the grants and the site were secured.

The building was constructed in 1997 using 360 cubic meters of wood from the communal forest, and the grounds were landscaped from 1999. The museum was inaugurated and opened to the public in 2000. Today, about sixty volunteers keep the site running, including some twenty guides.

Highlights

• Restored antique workshop machines, including a steam engine, demonstrated in operation during the visit
• Traditional woodworking trades: clog maker, joiner, sharpener
• Section on forests and wood
• Collection of about 1,000 antique wooden toys
• Guided tour for every group or visitor

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente : métiers du bois, machines et jouets – Route through forests and wood, traditional trades, workshops with their machines and the collection of antique wooden toys.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Espace des métiers du bois et du patrimoine (association)

Admission & discounts

On-site payment by cash, check, bank card, Chèques vacances and Chèques vacances Connect; the Muséums-PASS-Musées and PASS Alsace are accepted. Online payment by card only.

Accessibility

• 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 museum is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and to strollers; tours can be adapted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

Family-friendly guided tours (about 1 hour 30 minutes) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 during the spring, summer and All Saints' (Toussaint) school holidays. Children receive a small booklet with a puzzle to solve. A learning area is provided for school groups.

Getting there & parking

By car, about 15 minutes from Kaysersberg via Orbey or Ammerschwihr, under 30 minutes from Colmar via Ingersheim, Niedermorschwihr and Trois-Épis.

Amenities & dining

Picnic and play area in the museum park; a room for groups is available on request in case of bad weather. Dogs are welcome.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit