Colmar, France: The Unterlinden Museum and the Insenheim Altarpiece
About Colmar:
Close to the border with Germany, you will find a picturesque town that offers several art treasures from the Renaissance era. The timbered houses and unique look of the town is one of its main attractions for tourists, but there is something more as well.
About the Unterlinden Museum:
The Unterlinden Museum, housed in what was once a convent, is home to some magnificent treasures. Following the Fraench Revolution, it fell into disrepair, but then later restored. Originally it featured a Roman Mosaic, which can still be seen today, but then later added many more attractions.
Certainly one of the highlights is the Insenheim Altarpiece, created over the years from 1512-1516 in nearby Insenheim for the Monastery of Saint Anthony.
What makes this altarpiece even more interesting is the depiction of Christ with plague-like sores, in reference to the fact that the Monastery was known for its treatment of plague victims.
The Unterlinden Museum is one of the most popular museums in France (outside of Paris) and draws over 200,000 visitors each year.
Traveling to Colmar:
There is a small regional airport here, but it is best reached by train from cities in France, such as Strasbourg (about 30 minutes) or even Paris ( a little over two hours), plus other nearby cities in Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here
Address: Unterlinden Museum 1 Rue des Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar
GPS coordinates: 48° 4′ 47.4276” N, 7° 21′ 19.9224” E
Tel: (+33) 89 20 15 50
They are closed on Tuesdays as well as Christmas, New Year’s Day, May 1st & November 1st. There is an admission charge for the museum.
Click here for the official website of the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, France.
