Follow in the footsteps of Auguste Bartholdi in Colmar

Born in Colmar in 1834, Auguste Bartholdi is best known for creating the " Statue of Liberty ". And it has to be said that the world-famous Lady Liberty has, in spite of herself, somewhat overshadowed her creator. Indeed, Bartholdi's life and other works remain little known to the general public, in comparison with the Statue of Liberty.

Auguste Bartholdi was a committed artist who strongly defended human rights. He created numerous works illustrating the humanist principles of the Enlightenment. From the Bruat Monument to the Statue of Liberty, his political and social commitment is the common thread running through the collections on display at the Musée Bartholdi.

Located in the very heart of Old Colmar, in the house where the sculptor was born, the Bartholdi Museum invites you to discover the unique world of this Alsatian artist with an extraordinary destiny. Curious about everything and passionately devoted to his art, Bartholdi was a complete artist. As well as sculpture, you can discover a range of other artistic media, including painting, watercolours, drawing, photography and even architecture.

The museum has three floors, the second of which is entirely devoted to Bartholdi's travels in the United States, all of which were in some way linked to the Statue of Liberty project. Here you will find the first models, drawings, paintings, engravings and other photographs showing the genesis of this monument that has become the symbol of Liberty throughout the world. Allow around 1 hour to visit the museum.

For families, children's games booklets are available from the museum reception desk. These booklets are fun and educational, and are a great way for families to discover the museum and have fun at the same time! There are three levels of games for children of different ages: 6-8, 9-11 and 12-15.

Bartholdi lived in Paris for his studies from his early teens, but kept coming back to Colmar to recharge his batteries. Very attached to his town and very involved in its cultural life, he donated some fifteen of his creations to the Alsatian city. Some of these can still be seen today, and we invite you to discover them as you explore the town.

You can admire the Schwendi Fountain in the Place de l'Ancienne Douane, the Roesselmann Fountain in the Place des Six Montagnes noires, the Monument to Admiral Bruat in the Champ de Mars park, and the Tonnelier Alsacien in the Maison des Têtes. And don't miss the Monument to General Rapp in the Place Rapp, Bartholdi's first masterpiece, completed in 1955 after years of apprenticeship.

For younger visitors, you can download the "Colmar Adventure" app (available on Google Play and Apple Store), which lets you discover Bartholdi's works and his world in a fun way. The app also works in the museum.

2004 marked the centenary of the death of Colmar sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the "Liberty Enlightening the World" statue in New York. To mark the occasion, the town of Colmar has planned a whole series of initiatives and events. Among them, Colmar town council has chosen to install a replica of the Statue of Liberty at the northern entrance to the town.

The aim of the work is to pay tribute to Colmar's most prestigious citizen and to celebrate this work of art, which is probably the most famous in the world. The 12-metre-high "Colmarienne" Statue of Liberty is made from a composite material that has been tinted to give it the appearance of patinated copper. Not to be missed on your visit!

The Maison des Têtes is a superb Renaissance residence and features a work by Bartholdi. The gable of the building is topped by Bartholdi's Tonnelier, which was commissioned by the Wine Exchange, which moved into the building in 1898. Today, the Maison des têtes houses a superb 5-star hotel and two restaurants.