Musée du pétrole de Merkwiller-Pechelbronn

About the museum

The museum tells some five hundred years of oil history in northern Alsace. Around the Baechel-Brunn spring, wild boars and later local residents used the oil that rose to the surface, to grease wheels or as a remedy. In 1734, a medical student from Wœrth dedicated his thesis to its medicinal uses. Distillation workshops were built in 1740–1741 and a company was founded in 1741.

Mechanical drilling replaced surface collection in 1879, and the first pump was installed in 1882. In 1917 the deposit was worked through eight shafts and some 430 km of galleries, a method regarded as unique in the oil industry. In 1927, Marcel and Conrad Schlumberger carried out the first electrical well logs at Pechelbronn. The refinery sold lubricants under the Antar brand. More than 90% of it was destroyed by the bombing of 1944; it was rebuilt and operated until 1970.

The museum has belonged to the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park since 1994. Its collections include tools, models of drilling towers and pumping stations, documents, samples of crude and refined oil, and works by artists who depicted former industrial sites.

Highlights

• Five centuries of oil history in northern Alsace
• Models of drilling towers and pumping stations
• Documents, samples and tools of the oil industry
• Outdoor visits to the Carreau Clemenceau industrial wasteland and a natural oil spring
• Welcome films in French, German, English and French Sign Language

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – Tools, models of drilling towers and pumping stations, documents, samples of crude and refined oil, and artworks showing former industrial sites. The galleries are currently closed.

Admission & discounts

Free for association members. Payment in cash, by bank card (including contactless), cheque, transfer, administrative order (mandat administratif), Pass Culture or ANCV holiday vouchers. The Pass'Alsace is accepted, but tickets cannot be bought on site with this pass; the Museums-Pass-Musées is accepted and can be bought at the shop.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The introductory film is translated into French Sign Language, and a sign-language presentation of the museum is available on video. A “touch kit” (kit à toucher: booklet in Braille and large print, raised-line cards, object replicas, magnifiers, lamps) accompanies guided visits. Preferential rates for people in social integration programmes are offered together with the Tôt ou t'Art association.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Young children are welcome. Free-access games on the theme of oil, such as the “Pétrole y es-tu ?” kit, can be requested at reception. A family activity involves sorting everyday products to find those that come from oil. The annual programme also includes walks and workshops for children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is temporarily closed; outdoor visits are possible by appointment.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenir shop. Groups can book a welcome with a tasting of craft beer and fresh pretzels.

Events & venue rental

The museum is temporarily closed; outdoor visits are possible by appointment.

Plan your visit