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Origin and history

The Alsatian Museum of Haguenau is a museum dedicated to Alsatian folk arts and traditions, installed since 1972 in the former medieval Chancellery of the city, a building built around 1486. This place served as a chancery until 1790 before being partially restored in the 19th century. The façade, decorated with the city's weapons, the coat of arms of the Empire and the coat of arms of local notables, bears witness to its historic importance. The astronomical clock, a replica of that of the City Hall of Ulm, manufactured in 1904 by Hörz, is a remarkable part of the museum.

The museum's collections, originally gathered by the City of Haguenau in the mid-19th century, are partly from the donations of Xavier Nestel, mayor and collector, who made his donation conditional on the construction of a museum. Inaugurated in 1972, the museum houses decorative objects, traditional Alsatian costumes dating from the 17th century, glass paintings, ceramics, and re-enactments of peasant interiors. These collections reflect the rural life, religious beliefs and craftsmanship of the region.

Among the notable pieces are a 1661 pan of cast iron and varnished terracotta, stack plates cast in the local foundries of Zinswiller and Jaegerthal, as well as traditional costumes distinctive according to religion and civil status. The museum also exhibits pictorial works, such as Charles-Émile Matthis' Legend of Hemp Sower, and objects related to passing rituals, such as baptismal letters (Goettelbriefe) or mortuary memories (Leichentexte).

Local craftsmanship is enhanced through pottery in Soufflenheim and Betschdorf sandstones, used for food conservation. Reconstituted workshops illustrate manufacturing techniques, while polychrome furniture and ceramic stoves evoke traditional habitat. The museum, classified as Musée de France, thus offers a complete panorama of the material and immaterial culture of Alsace.

The building itself, of neo-Renaissance style for its modern part, preserves medieval elements such as 14th century consoles from the former Town Hall. The paintings of the facade, dating from the early twentieth century, recall the status of Free Town of Haguenau. The astronomical clock, with its 2.76 metre dial, is a faithful copy of the one designed in 1581 by Isaac Habrecht for Ulm, highlighting the cultural exchanges between Alsace and Germany.

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