Rohan Palace is located in the city center of Strasbourg, next to the famous cathedral.
Its construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1742. The plans were designed by Robert de Cotte, the King's first architect, and master of the classic French style, very popular in Alsace since its attachment to France.
This episcopal palace was desired in 1704 by Prince-Bishop Armand Gaston de Rohan who, for this purpose, had several buildings purchased near the cathedral and bordering the course of the Ill. These buildings were demolished in 1727.
The prince-bishops did not take advantage of this vast and refined palace for long: during the Revolution, the site was indeed transformed into a prison and in 1794, a school for the training of officers was established there. health (military doctors). The institution will be transferred to Lyon after the defeat of 1870.
As for the palace, which had been designed on the model of the great Parisian hotels, renowned for the exceptional beauty of its facades and its sumptuous interior decorations, it housed as early as 1889 the city's Museum of Fine Arts. In 1913, it is the archaeological museum which settles in its walls and finally in 1924 the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Classified as a Historic Monument, the palace has thus become a place open and accessible to all. Apart from the rooms dedicated to the collections of the three museums, certain parts have remained faithful to their original appearance: the living rooms and apartments of the bishops, the library, etc.
Tours dedicated to these parts of the palace are offered from time to time. Otherwise, you should visit the museums housed in the vast building to enjoy the setting and the works on display… Open every day except Tuesday and January 1, Good Friday, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25. Price: from 3.50 and 6.50 euros (free in August). Information on +33 3 68 98 50 00.
