Museums abound
Strasbourg boasts a network of twelve museums with an exceptionally rich heritage. The themed collections of each museum are incredibly diverse.
For example, you can learn how Argentoratum became Strasbourg at the Historical Museum, explore traditional Alsatian art and folklore at the Alsatian Museum and discover the new generation of artists at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
And if you like to get off the beaten path, the Tomi Ungerer International Centre for Illustration presents the work of the internationally acclaimed Alsatian artist who passed away in February 2019.
Opera, classical and contemporary music
Strasbourg is a star in these musical genres.
The Opéra National du Rhin
The Opéra National du Rhin has a world-class reputation on the international opera scene, giving more than 140 performances a year in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse (opera, dance, recitals, concerts and shows for young audiences).
The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra
The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra has been excelling in the art of music since 1855! Every year, it gives many concerts in the Alsatian capital. These are always very special moments. The Opéra National du Rhin and the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra work in very close collaboration.
Les Percussions de Strasbourg
Les Percussions de Strasbourg – which have been around for 60 years – are renowned worldwide. The group, which comprises six musicians, tours the world constantly and also performs in its hometown regularly.
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A diverse musical scene
Although Strasbourg is renowned for its talent in opera, classical and contemporary music, it also loves other kinds of music. The city boasts world-class facilities, which means that an eclectic programme is offered. The biggest names in French and international entertainment perform on the stages of the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, the Laiterie and the Zénith.
Festival fun!
Le Printemps des Bretelles
March
Completely devoted to the accordion, boasts exceptional international programming.
L’Ososphère
September
A multifaceted festival organised by the city and the district of the Laiterie, featuring electro nights, exhibitions, screenings, concert cruises, workshops, and more.
Bibliothèques Idéales
September
The literary event of the back-to-school season. The literary season gets off to a good start, through encounters with big names in French and foreign literature and poetry and musical events.
Musica
September/October
Created in 1982, Musica is a key event in the creation and dissemination of contemporary music in Europe. It attracts major composers and musicians and promising young talent. Over 16,000 spectators attend about forty performances every year.
Jazzdor
November
An event that supports jazz creation and features some of the greatest names in jazz, year after year. It’s been going on for more than thirty years! An institution in Strasbourg…
The theatres of Strasbourg
The theatre scene in Strasbourg is particularly dynamic, including large and small venues. The most representative are:
The TNS (National Theatre of Strasbourg)
The TNS (National Theatre of Strasbourg), which offers about fifteen shows per season, including at least one with its own troupe of actors and three to four co-productions. THE theatre of Strasbourg!
The Maillon
The Maillon explores the most contemporary forms of live performance. It has an excellent reputation thanks to its highly varied programming.
The TJP (children's theatre)
The TJP (children’s theatre) targets an audience of children, teens and adults. It is a place of creation devoted to puppetry, and it has set itself the task of encouraging new playwriting and inventing a whole multitude of theatrical forms.
A city of books
The city in which Gutenberg invented the printing press obviously cares a lot about books.
Strasbourg has a dense network of libraries, the flagship of which, the André Malraux Media Library, is well worth a visit. This old disused warehouse surrounded by water was rehabilitated in a way that preserved the industrial identity of the place, while opening it up to the surrounding environment.
Strasbourg is also home to France’s second-largest library: the National and University Library. In particular, this library houses one of Europe’s first Egyptology collections.
Finally, book lovers will be delighted by the numerous independent bookstores, booksellers and book markets that can be found across the city.
