Le Relais des Arts
About This Museum
Tucked away on the main street of La Petite-Pierre, Le Relais des Arts feels less like a formal institution and more like stepping into the private, sun-drenched studio of an artist who has collected a lifetime of wonders. I was immediately struck by how intimate it all feels; the art isn't kept at a cold, respectful distance but seems to breathe with the old stone walls. The collection is a vibrant tapestry of Alsatian life, with landscapes that capture the specific golden light of the region and portraits so vivid you feel you could converse with the subjects. It’s a place that celebrates local talent with a quiet, unpretentious passion, making you forget you're in a museum at all.
Collection Highlights
Look for the series of watercolors depicting the changing seasons in the Northern Vosges—the autumn scene is so lush you can almost hear the crunch of leaves. Another standout is a poignant collection of early 20th-century charcoal sketches showing the faces and hands of local artisans at work.
Visitor Information
It's small, so you can easily soak it all in within an hour, but don't rush—the charm is in the details. The woman at the desk was wonderfully knowledgeable and shared stories about several artists that you won't find on any placard.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a beautifully preserved half-timbered Alsatian building, its creaky wooden floors and low, beamed ceilings are as much a part of the experience as the art hanging on its rustic walls.
Contact & Location
Address: 37, Rue Principale, Vieille Ville (Staedtel), La Petite-Pierre, Saverne, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, France métropolitaine, 67290, France
Phone: +33 3 88 70 44 65