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Unterlinden Museum: A Journey Through Alsatian Art History

Explore 7,000 years of art history at Colmar's Unterlinden Museum, home to the iconic Isenheim Altarpiece and a diverse collection of masterpieces.

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Housed in a 13th-century former Dominican convent in Colmar, France, the Unterlinden Museum is renowned for its exceptional collection of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Its centerpiece is the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of German Renaissance art by Matthias Grünewald.

A brief summary to Unterlinden Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the off-season (spring or fall) to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum's extensive collection.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide to learn more about the history and significance of the artworks.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Enjoy a meal or snack at the Café Restaurant Schongauer, located in the Ackerhof, for a relaxing break during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Unterlinden Museum is located in the heart of Colmar, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Colmar train station, walk straight along Avenue de la République, then turn left onto Rue des Unterlinden. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Colmar has a well-developed bus network. Several bus lines stop near the Unterlinden Museum. Check the TRACE Colmar website or the Moovit app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket costs €1.50 and can be purchased on the bus.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Colmar. A short taxi ride from the Colmar train station to the Unterlinden Museum will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific company.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available near the Unterlinden Museum. Parking Rapp , located at 7 Av. de la République, is a central underground parking garage that is open 24/7. Parking Saint-Josse , on Rue Saint-Josse, is another option. Many car parks in the city center offer the first hour free. On-street parking is also available, but it is divided into zones with varying rates. Expect to pay around €1.50 per hour for on-street parking. Some car parks, like Lacarre, offer a flat rate of €3 per day.

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Discover more about Unterlinden Museum

The Unterlinden Museum, located in Colmar, Alsace, offers a captivating journey through 7,000 years of art and history. Housed in a former 13th-century Dominican convent , the museum's architecture seamlessly blends Gothic and contemporary elements, creating a unique and inspiring atmosphere. The Unterlinden Museum is the most visited museum in Alsace, attracting roughly 200,000 visitors annually. The museum's collection showcases a diverse range of art techniques, including paintings, sculptures, and engravings. The highlight is the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald, a masterpiece of the German Renaissance. The altarpiece, created between 1512 and 1516, consists of a series of painted panels linked by a central carved box. Other notable works include art from the Upper Rhine region during the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, with pieces by Martin Schongauer, Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Hans Holbein the Elder. Beyond its renowned collection of medieval and Renaissance art, the Unterlinden Museum also features decorative arts, folk art, and modern and contemporary art, including works by Monet, Picasso and Dubuffet. The museum's expansion in 2015, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, connected the original convent to a former municipal bath building and added a contemporary wing, providing more space to display its encyclopedic collections. This expansion includes an underground gallery that passes beneath Place Unterlinden and a canal, leading to the Ackerhof building. Visitors can also explore the cloister garden and museum orchard.

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