Musée Bartholdi
Musée Bartholdi is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Colmar audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~60 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type museum
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Colmar Colmar guide
About Musée Bartholdi
The birthplace house of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, now a museum of his work, from Liberty maquettes to the Lion of Belfort.
The Musée Bartholdi occupies the house at 30 rue des Marchands where the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), best known for the Statue of Liberty, was born. The core of the building dates to the 18th century, though Renaissance arcades found during restoration show older construction on the site. Bartholdi's widow bequeathed the house to the city of Colmar in 1907 on the condition that it become a museum; the First World War delayed the project, and it was finally inaugurated on 18 November 1922.
Across three levels the museum preserves sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, sketches and models, including maquettes of the Statue of Liberty and a preparatory model of one of its ears. His other major works, such as the Lion of Belfort, are also represented, and the courtyard holds the bronze group 'Les Grands Soutiens du Monde' of 1889. The museum carries the 'Musée de France' label and received the 'Maisons des Illustres' designation in 2011.
Did you know? Colmar calls itself the birthplace of the Statue of Liberty, but strictly it is a slogan: only the sculptor Bartholdi was born here, in 1834; the statue itself was built decades later in Paris.
How long should you spend at Musée Bartholdi?
Plan about ~60 min at Musée Bartholdi. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Musée Bartholdi worth visiting?
Musée Bartholdi is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Colmar, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Colmar
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Musée Bartholdi and read more:
Day 1 of the Colmar in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Musée Bartholdi
Preview the Colmar tour free in the Gingerguide app.