The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Opened in 1998, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is located on the banks of the Ill at the edge of the historic quarter in Strasbourg. Designed by architect Adrien Fainsilber, this metal and glass structure opens out onto a vast nave distributing the different spaces of the museum: permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, graphic arts and photographic collections, not to mention the museum’s library and auditorium, a restaurant and bookshop.

The collections cover the period from 1870 to the present day and have several modern art highlights around Gustave Doré, the Impressionists, decorative arts, primitivism, the beginnings of abstraction, Jean Arp, Dada and Surrealism. On the first floor, the contemporary art collection has several important ensembles of Arte Povera, Fluxus, Support/Surface, BMPT and German Neo-Expressionist art including the most current creation in a regularly renewed presentation of numerous exhibitions and events (concerts, conferences, performances, etc.).

There is an exceptional view of Petite France from the terrace of the MAMCS.

Outside, the museum opens out onto a vast esplanade, now a popular site for roller skaters and freestyle cyclists. The museum terrace along the river offers a splendid view of the Petite France neighborhood. From the courtyard, walkers can see inside the Hans Arp room through a wide bay window. This opening up to the outside is a reminder that it was following several donations from the artist then from his family that Strasbourg's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art took off and became a truly independent entity in 1973.