Discovering 500 years of oil history in Northern Alsace!
Did you know ? Alsace contains oil in its subsoil and it is in Merkwiller-Pechelbronn that the first oil exploitation site in Europe opened. In this region, the peasant at the end of the Middle Ages already knew that the earth was impregnated with an oily substance that he had learned to use: lubrication of tools, carts and remedies. From the 18th century, the exploitation took on an industrial dimension until its closure in 1970.
The geology of the Rhine ditch explains a singular deposit which will be exploited by wells, drilling and pumping and even by mine galleries. Technical innovations in the oil industry have made Pechelbronn famous.
Between techniques, world firsts and historical saga: The museum allows you to discover a complete panorama of the geological formation of this oil and its unexpected uses for centuries and in all continents: embalming of mummies, remedies, construction. Developments in mining, drilling, pendulum pumps as well as the work of miners are revealed there.
The extent of the mine galleries and the refinery, the birth of the Antar company and the Institut Français du Pétrole, the first electric coring are some of the highlights of a unique saga. Renewable energies such as geothermal energy are also covered. The rich collections of period documents and historical and geological objects, as well as amazing models, complete the visit...
Spoken languages
- English
- German
- Italy
- Français
- Alsatian
Visit
- Groups of 10 to 50 people welcome.
Type of clientele
- Groups
- School groups
- Families
- Couples
- Children's groups
- Children (individual)
- Adults (individuals)
Type of guided tour
- Free tour
- Visit with guide tool
- Guided tour for individuals
- Guided tour for individuals by appointment
- Guided tour for groups by appointment
- Educational visit
- Visit with documents
- Paid tasting for groups
- Teaching room
Opening
Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 14:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 14:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Sunday June 2, 2024 from 14:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
From July 1 to August 31, 2024, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 14:30 p.m. to 18:00 p.m.
From September 1 to October 31, 2024, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 14:30 p.m. to 18 p.m.
Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 14:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 14:30 p.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Prices
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4,50 € |
| Children | 4 € |
| Groups (per person) | 5,50 € |
| Students | 4 € |
| School groups | 4 € |
| Groups (guide) | 5,50 € |
Adult €7 (museum + entertainment, outdoor)
Children €5 (museum + entertainment, outdoor)
Children - 10 years old free / disabled person 4 €
Groups (per person) 6 € (int + outside)
School groups €5 (int and outside)
Groups (guide) 6 € (int + outside)
Payment method
- Cheque
- Cash
- Credit card
- Holiday checks accepted
Services
- Paid tasting for groups
- Teaching room
Services
- Shops / Sale of products
- Specific reception for children
- Welcome / open to groups
- Info. Touristic
- Bus drop-off / pick-up in front of the establishment
- Water point (drinking water)
- Network connection
- Animals accepted: Yes under conditions
- Toilets
Accessibility
- Services for specific disabilities such as welcome video in LSF and touch kit for blind people, mental disability, outdoor discovery in joëlettes. Possibility of installing an access ramp for people in wheelchairs. Toilets not accessible.