The Palais Rohan was originally built as the residence for the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan.
The collection was largely destroyed in a major fire during the Siege of Strasbourg in 1870 and had to be entirely reconstructed.
The palace interior features the 'Appartements des Grands,' which retain original 18th-century royal furnishings and decor.
Notable works include Botticelli's 'Portrait of a Young Man' and El Greco's 'Mater Dolorosa.'
The museum collection includes a specific emphasis on works by artists born in or associated with the Upper Rhine region.
The Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts is housed within the Palais Rohan, an 18th-century Baroque palace designed by Robert de Cotte. The collection spans European painting from the 14th century to 1871, featuring works by Botticelli, Giotto, Rubens, and El Greco. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history of painting in Europe before the impressionist era. The museum occupies the ground and first floors of the palace, which also hosts the Archaeological Museum and the Decorative Arts Museum. Visitors traverse interconnected grand salons that retain their original architectural layout and decorative stucco work. The gallery layout is largely chronological, tracing artistic shifts from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century. A significant focus is placed on Italian and Flemish schools, reflecting the city's historical position at the crossroads of European cultures. The museum serves as a critical repository for the Strasbourg municipal collection, which was rebuilt significantly after the 1870 bombardment of the city.
The main staircase of the Palais Rohan, featuring ornate ironwork and classic 18th-century architecture.
Combine your visit with the Archaeological Museum and Decorative Arts Museum housed in the same building.
Look for the small labels near the windows for historical context on how the building survived the 1870 fire.
Visit on a weekday morning to explore the palace rooms without crowds.
Avoid visiting on Tuesdays, as most public museums in Strasbourg are closed that day.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet tone; photography is permitted without flash.
