Musee Bartholdi

The Musée Bartholdi is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts in Colmar. Located on Rue des Marchands in the charming old town, it occupies the 18th-century house where Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was born in 1834. The museum offers an intimate look at the sculptor's creative process, with a rich collection of his sketches, models, and finished works. The highlight is the dedicated room showcasing the evolution of the Statue of Liberty, from early plaster maquettes to full-scale replicas. Visitors can also explore period rooms that recreate the bourgeois Alsatian lifestyle of the 19th century, complete with original furniture and personal artifacts. The museum's courtyard features a monumental bronze fountain, adding to the experience. Its central location makes it easy to combine with a stroll through Colmar's medieval streets.

Don't miss

• Original plaster models and sketches for the Statue of Liberty
• Recreated 19th-century Alsatian interiors with Bartholdi family furniture
• The monumental 'Bartholdi Fountain' in the courtyard
• Exhibits on his other famous works, like the Lion of Belfort
• Personal letters and photographs documenting his career

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Musee Bartholdi

Cheapest way inColmar Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour4★ · 25 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedLouvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access4.5★ · 12,892 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$74 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleColmar Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt4.1★ · 27 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.
• Photography is usually allowed without flash, but check for restrictions.
• Audioguides are available in multiple languages for a small fee.
• Combine with a visit to the nearby Unterlinden Museum for a full cultural day.

A bit of history

The museum opened in 1922 in Bartholdi's birthplace, following a bequest from his widow. The building itself dates to the 18th century and was acquired by the city to preserve the artist's legacy.