La Grande Place – Musée Saint-Louis
Museum of the Saint-Louis crystal manufactory in the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park: more than 2,000 pieces and a view of crystal being worked while molten.
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About the museum
La Grande Place is the museum of the Saint-Louis crystal manufactory, based in Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche in the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park. The manufactory describes itself as the first crystal glassworks in France and claims continuous activity since 1586, more than 440 years of expertise.
The museum opened in 2007 on the manufactory site. It partly occupies 19th-century industrial buildings and has been complemented by contemporary architecture. Its name pays tribute to the glassmakers, who work in teams on what is called a “place” in the workshop.
The historical route is organized around a central shaft and presents more than 2,000 pieces from the house's heritage and contemporary collections. Highlights include a 120-light chandelier, presented as a unique work. A large window lets visitors watch craftspeople working molten crystal. Temporary exhibitions are included in the admission price.
Highlights
- More than 2,000 crystal pieces from the heritage and contemporary collections
- 120-light chandelier, a unique piece
- Historical route around a central shaft
- View of craftspeople working molten crystal
- Guided tour of the manufactory and its workshops
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Cristallerie Saint-Louis
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Children aged 6 to under 18, job seekers, people with disabilities, students (proof required) |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 5 · Reduced rate for children aged 6 to under 18. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –Reduced rate with proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €6Reduced rate with proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €6 per personGroups of 10 or more; reduced rate of €4 (children aged 6 to 18, job seekers, people with disabilities, students); booking required. School rate: €4. One accompanying adult and the bus driver enter free. |
| Families | €18Up to 2 adults and 5 children under 18. |
| Personal annual pass (access to permanent and temporary exhibitions) | €13 |
| Admission with guided tour of the manufactory (full rate) | €20The ticket also gives access to the museum. |
| Admission with guided tour of the manufactory (reduced rate) | €15 |
| Admission with guided tour of the manufactory (family) | €451 or 2 adults with up to 5 children under 18. |
Free with proof: children under 6, teachers, journalists, licensed tour guides, holders of the MuseumPass Musées or the Pass Alsace. An Étoiles Terrestres rate exists with a voucher (€6 full price, €3 reduced rate). Groups of 10 or more are not accepted during the European Museum Night, the European Days of Crafts or the Heritage Days.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on one level, with a gentle slope over about 953 meters; visitors with reduced mobility are invited to walk the route in reverse. No wheelchairs are available and there is no hearing-assistance system. The manufactory has a lift. Folding stools can be reserved at reception. The exhibition spaces do not allow visually impaired visitors to explore independently. The museum is not recommended for people sensitive to heights. Two accessible parking spaces are reserved.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
| Family ticket | €18 · Up to 2 adults and 5 children under 18. |
A family rate exists. The guided tour of the manufactory is reserved for children aged 6 and over.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The nearest stations, Wingen-sur-Moder and Diemeringen (TER line Strasbourg–Sarreguemines–Saarbrücken), are about 15 minutes away by car.
By car
Parking available
Two car parks face the museum entrance, one with two accessible spaces and two spaces for coaches. The car parks close at the same time as the museum.
- Accessible parking
A car is needed between the stations and the museum; the museum can help book a taxi. Address: rue du Coëtlosquet, Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
No café or restaurant at the museum, only drink and snack vending machines. The shop Le Comptoir de la Manufacture sells the house's products.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided tour of the manufactory (walkway above the great hall, finishing and cutting workshops) is only available by reservation, Tuesday to Friday, from age 6. Animals are not admitted, except guide and assistance dogs. Groups of 10 or more must book. |
