Aubette Building, Strasbourg

Historic Building, Historic Room and Museum in Strasbourg

Aubette Building
Aubette Building
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Claude TRUONG-NGOC

The Aubette Building sits right on Place Kléber, Strasbourg's central square, and it's one of those places you might walk past without realizing it hides a major piece of European modernism inside. Today the building mixes everyday city life (shops and foot traffic) with a small but memorable cultural visit: the restored “Aubette 1928” interiors.

It's an easy add-on to a Strasbourg walking tour because it's steps from the Cathedral area and the main shopping streets, and it pairs well with a loop through Grande Île and Petite France. If you're choosing the best places to see in the city center, the Aubette is ideal for a quick, design-focused stop between bigger sights.

History and Significance of the Aubette Building

The Aubette’s story begins with an 18th-century building on Strasbourg’s main square, but its fame comes from what happened in 1928. That year, artists Theo van Doesburg, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and Hans (Jean) Arp created a radically modern set of interiors for an entertainment complex, treating the rooms as a complete work of art rather than simple decoration.

The result was a bold application of geometric forms and carefully controlled color, associated with the De Stijl movement and early modernism. Even if you’re not an art specialist, the spaces feel surprisingly contemporary for something conceived nearly a century ago.

Much of the original work was later covered up, then rediscovered and protected as historic heritage. After restoration campaigns, key rooms reopened to the public, making the Aubette a rare chance to step inside a preserved modernist environment in the middle of a busy city square.

Things to See and Do in the Aubette Building

The main reason to visit is the Aubette 1928 rooms: think immersive, room-scale design where walls, ceilings, and spatial rhythm are the “exhibit.” It’s less about reading labels for an hour and more about experiencing how color and geometry shape movement and mood.

Take your time moving between rooms and looking for the way angles, lines, and contrasting tones guide your eye. If you enjoy architecture or graphic design, you’ll likely find it especially rewarding, because the details feel intentional at every turn.

Afterward, step back out onto Place Kléber for people-watching and photos of the square, or continue your walk toward the Cathedral and the historic streets of Grande Île. The Aubette works best as a compact cultural hit that breaks up a day of outdoor sightseeing.

How to Get to the Aubette Building

The nearest major airports are Strasbourg Airport (SXB) for the quickest arrival, or EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH) for a wider range of flights; Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is another common long-haul gateway with onward connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Strasbourg on Booking.com.

Strasbourg is very well connected by rail, and arriving at Strasbourg Station (Gare de Strasbourg) makes it easy to continue by tram, taxi, or a pleasant walk into the center. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you're driving, aim for central parking near Place Kléber and plan for city traffic and pedestrian-priority streets in the core. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Aubette Building

  • Official website: https://www.musees.strasbourg.eu/aubette-1928
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 14:00–18:00. Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Sunday.
  • Best time to visit: Go mid-afternoon on a weekday for a calmer experience, then continue into golden hour on Place Kléber and the old town.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–45 minutes for the Aubette 1928 rooms, plus extra time if you want to linger in the square or add nearby sights.
  • Accessibility: Access is generally straightforward in the city center, and the site provides services for visitors with disabilities; expect an indoor visit with level changes managed by the venue.
  • Facilities: You'll find plenty of cafés, shops, and restrooms nearby in central Strasbourg, with many options directly around Place Kléber.

Where to Stay Close to the Aubette Building

Base yourself in central Strasbourg (Grande Île / around Place Kléber) for the easiest walks to the Aubette, the Cathedral, and evening dining.

Hôtel Gutenberg A smart pick for being close to both Place Kléber and the Cathedral area, making it easy to sightsee on foot from morning to night.

Hôtel Hannong A comfortable, classic option near the shopping streets with a great central location for quick returns between stops.

Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa Ideal if you want a more upscale base right in the heart of the city, with the bonus of spa time after a long walking day.

Hôtel Kaijoo by HappyCulture A modern, lively-feeling hotel that suits travelers who like contemporary design and an easy walk to Place Kléber.

Hôtel Les Haras A standout for atmosphere and style in a converted heritage setting, great if you want your hotel to feel like part of the Strasbourg experience.

Is the Aubette Building Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like design, architecture, or modern art and want something distinctive beyond the usual cathedral-and-canals circuit. The visit is compact, central, and memorable because it’s about being inside the artwork rather than just viewing it.

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time and prefer big, panoramic “wow” sights, you might skip it in favor of the Cathedral platform, Petite France, or a river cruise. It's also less compelling if you're not interested in interiors or modernism and would rather spend your time outdoors.

What Other Travellers Say...

4.4 (227)
My Magnolia
3 years ago
"(+)nFree entrance. Well situated, i.e., right in the central of Strasbourg. Sympathetic "controllers"nNice position for photos of Place Kléber andits immediate surroundings.n(-)nNothing to see really, in all cases, not of my taste...."
Giacomo Biraghi
7 months ago
"Super interesting space in the center of the city"
swords787
5 years ago
"Very Beautiful during the christmas markets"

For Different Travelers

The Aubette is a flexible stop: quick enough to fit into a packed itinerary, but unique enough to feel like a “find.” Because it’s right in the center, it’s also easy to combine with food breaks, shopping, and classic old-town wandering.

Families with Kids

For kids, the bold colors and shapes can be more engaging than a traditional museum full of objects, especially if you turn it into a “spot the patterns” game. Keep expectations realistic: it’s a short interior visit rather than a hands-on attraction.

Pair it with a treat on Place Kléber or a walk to the river afterward to balance indoor time with space to move. If you're traveling with a stroller, plan a smooth route through the square and allow a little extra time.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples who enjoy art and design will like the Aubette as a quieter, culture-forward moment in the middle of the city. It’s also a great pre-dinner stop since you can step out directly into one of Strasbourg’s most atmospheric central areas.

Make it part of a walking loop: Aubette interiors, Cathedral area, then sunset wandering through Petite France. The contrast between avant-garde interiors and medieval streets is part of the charm.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong budget-friendly visit because it’s central and easy to reach on foot or by tram, so you won’t spend much getting there. It also works well as a “between sights” stop that doesn’t require a half-day commitment.

Build a low-cost day around it: self-guided walking tour of Grande Île, photos on Place Kléber, and a picnic-style meal from bakeries nearby. You'll still feel like you've seen something genuinely distinctive.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the Aubette layers Strasbourg’s urban story: an 18th-century building repurposed into a 20th-century modernist experiment. The fact that the interiors were covered, rediscovered, and restored adds another historical chapter.

Use the visit as a springboard to think about how cities change what they value over time. It’s a compact example of heritage preservation that goes beyond medieval landmarks.

FAQs for Visiting Aubette Building

Getting There

Yes, it’s a straightforward walk through the city center and fits naturally into a Grande Île loop. Plan a few extra minutes if you want to browse shops or stop for photos along the way.
Homme de Fer is the most convenient stop for Place Kléber. From there, it’s a short walk to the building.
Yes, it’s one of the easiest interior stops to add to a self-guided or guided city-center walk. It works particularly well between the Cathedral area and shopping streets.

Tickets & Entry

Usually not for a quick visit, but it’s smart to check for special events or temporary access changes. If you’re visiting in peak season, arriving earlier in the open window can help.
Yes, the Aubette 1928 visit is generally free to enter. If you’re planning multiple museum visits, you can still compare options like city museum passes for other sites.
The building also contains commercial spaces and can host events, which may have separate pricing. Treat the Aubette 1928 rooms as the main cultural visit.

Visiting Experience

It’s an immersive interior experience where the rooms themselves are the artwork. You’re there to feel the space, color, and geometry rather than to see a large collection.
It’s typically a quick stop, which is part of its appeal in a busy itinerary. You can still linger if you enjoy photographing details and studying the design.
Yes, because the impact is visual and spatial, not academic. Even a short visit can feel surprisingly memorable.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Combine it with Place Kléber, the Cathedral district, and a walk through Petite France for a balanced day. It’s also easy to slot in before a river cruise.
Either works, but many travelers like starting in the center (Aubette and Cathedral) and ending with canals and sunset in Petite France. That keeps walking routes efficient.
A guide can add context, but it’s not required to enjoy the space. If you like deeper meaning, read a short overview beforehand and then focus on what you notice in the rooms.

Photography

Photography policies can vary, especially during events, so check on-site signage. If allowed, be mindful of other visitors in tight spaces.
Place Kléber is excellent for wide shots and city-life scenes right outside the building. The surrounding streets also offer classic Strasbourg façades for contrast.
Late afternoon into early evening often gives the most flattering light on the square. It’s also a pleasant time for a post-visit stroll.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility support is provided, and the central location makes it easy to reach by tram or taxi. If you have specific requirements, confirm the best entrance on arrival.
Yes, you’re in the heart of Strasbourg with plenty of cafés and shopping facilities around Place Kléber. Plan a quick café stop if you want a guaranteed option.
Place Kléber offers easy pause points, and nearby cafés are ideal for warming up or cooling down depending on the season. It’s a good area for short breaks between sights.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the area around Place Kléber is packed with cafés and bakeries. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after your visit.
It can be, especially if you want convenience and lots of choices. For a more traditional Alsatian meal, you can walk a bit farther into the old town.
Absolutely, since the building and surrounding streets are part of Strasbourg’s main shopping zone. It’s a practical way to blend sightseeing with errands.

Safety & Timing

Place Kléber is a busy central square and generally feels safe with normal city awareness. Keep an eye on belongings in crowds, especially during peak times.
Midweek afternoons are often calmer than weekends. Early in the opening window can also help you avoid the busiest moments.
Yes, it’s a great rainy-day stop because the key experience is indoors. Pair it with nearby indoor attractions and cafés to stay comfortable.

Nearby Attractions to the Aubette Building

  • Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg): The city's iconic Gothic landmark with spectacular façade details and a must-see presence in the old town.
  • Place Kléber: Strasbourg's main square, perfect for people-watching, seasonal markets, and a central meeting point.
  • Grande Île (historic center): A UNESCO-listed core of winding streets, historic buildings, and classic Strasbourg atmosphere.
  • Petite France: The postcard-pretty canal district with half-timbered houses and scenic bridges.
  • Covered Bridges and Vauban Dam (Ponts Couverts & Barrage Vauban): A scenic riverside walk with photogenic viewpoints and a strong sense of Strasbourg's historic defenses.

The Aubette Building appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Strasbourg!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Wednesday - Saturday: 14:00-18:00.

Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Sunday.

Price:

Free.

Address: 31 Pl. Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg: 1 km
Telephone: +33 3 68 98 50 00
Official Website

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