Musée du papier peint

About the museum

The museum occupies the right wing of the Commanderie in Rixheim, a former building of the Teutonic Order. The Mulhouse commandery was transferred there at the time of the Reformation, in 1527, and the architect Jean Gaspard Bagnato began the present building in 1735. After the knights left during the Revolution, a wallpaper manufactory was established there in 1797; in 1802 it took the name Jean Zuber et Cie.

Today the building houses three occupants: the town hall in the central section, the Zuber manufactory in the left wing and the museum in the right wing. The museum opened in 1983.

Its holdings combine the manufactory’s archives and older collections from Mulhouse, supplemented since then by many gifts and purchases. The collection numbers more than 100,000 pieces, from 18th-century domino papers to recent creations, and spans around four centuries of styles, from Neoclassicism to Art Deco and contemporary design. It shows both prestigious productions and everyday patterns.

The highlight of the visit is a set of eight Zuber panoramic wallpapers made in the first half of the 19th century, displayed on the second floor.

Highlights

• Eight 19th-century Zuber panoramic wallpapers on the second floor
• More than 100,000 pieces, from 18th-century domino papers to current creations
• Building of the Teutonic Order’s commandery, an 18th-century listed monument
• Shop and bookshop specialising in wallpaper

Permanent exhibition

• Les panoramiques Zuber – Eight Zuber panoramic wallpapers, made in the first half of the 19th century, are displayed permanently on the second floor.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free for holders of the Pass Culture, the Carte Culture UHA, the Carte VIZAM, the ICOM and DRAC cards of the Ministry of Culture, journalists with a press card and licensed tour guides (on proof). The Museums-Pass-Musées and the Pass Alsace are accepted and sold on site.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 18th-century building is a listed historic monument. The exhibition spaces do not meet current standards, and evacuation safety on the upper floors cannot be guaranteed. The museum states that the visit is not permitted to people with reduced mobility until the compliance works have been completed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

A free activity booklet “Découvre les secrets du papier peint avec Caméléon”, for children from 8 years old, is available at reception on request.

Getting there & parking

From Rixheim station it is about 10 to 15 minutes on foot along Avenue de Gaulle, following “Centre Ville” and the museum signs. By car: motorway A35, exit 33 (Rixheim), then “Centre Ville”, “Musée du Papier Peint” and “Hôtel de ville”. The museum occupies the right wing of the Commanderie.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop and bookshop specialising in wallpaper.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit