The square was formerly known as Place des Armes before being renamed to honor Jean-Baptiste Kléber in 1840.
The Aubette building, designed by Jacques-François Blondel, originally housed a military guardhouse and later became a landmark of modern art due to its interior designs by Theo van Doesburg, Hans Arp, and Sophie Taeuber-Arp.
A bronze statue of General Kléber by Philippe Grass was inaugurated in 1840 and remains the focal point of the square.
During the annual Christmas market, the square hosts one of the largest natural Christmas trees in Europe.
The ground beneath the square underwent extensive renovations in the early 2000s to modernize its integration with the tramway system.
The square is situated within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Grande Île.
Place Kléber is the central square of Strasbourg and serves as the city's primary public gathering space. It is named after the French Revolutionary General Jean-Baptiste Kléber, whose statue stands in the center above a tomb containing his remains. The square is surrounded by grand 18th-century architecture, including the Aubette building which once served as a military guard post. The plaza is pedestrian-only and functions as a major junction for the city’s tram network. It is the site of the annual Christmas tree, a tradition dating back to the city's long-standing holiday markets. The area is bordered by department stores, cafes, and restaurants, making it a hub for local commerce. The square frequently hosts public demonstrations, open-air events, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. It connects the historic Grande Île district with the newer sections of the city.
From the steps of the Aubette building facing the statue of General Kléber to capture the square's full scale.
Walk the perimeter to view the distinct architectural contrast between the historic Aubette and the modern commercial storefronts.
Visit during the late afternoon to see the transition of the square from a busy shopping hub to an evening gathering space.
Use the square as a central orientation point for navigating into the narrow streets of the historic Petite France district.
Avoid eating at the tourist-heavy restaurants immediately bordering the square; seek out smaller side-street bistros for better quality.
Open year-round; the square is significantly crowded during the Christmas market season in December.
