Article: SINCE 1930 THE HISTORY OF CRISTALLERIE DE MONTBRONN
SINCE 1930 THE HISTORY OF CRISTALLERIE DE MONTBRONN
In Greek mythology, Prometheus, creator of humanity, transmitter of fire, father of all arts and techniques, used a hollow ferula rod to steal the sacred fire and give it to the human race. Thanks to its combustible properties, Men were able to create their first tools.
The myth of crystal
The divine blow
At the Cristallerie de Montbronn, our first and most important tool is the human hand, more precisely those of our expert craftsmen with their incomparable know-how. Just like the myth of Prometheus, crystal has an equally important relationship with fire : it is also born from combustion: the molten material forms a glowing ball
at a temperature of 1200°C, which is then manipulated in order to create exceptional pieces.
Crystal is one of the most poetic materials there is: produced from the fusion of the purest earth, fine and immaculate sand, offering a perfect refraction of the sunlight.
All of the creations of our House seek to be perfect muses to the poetry of crystal.
Our homeland
A local heritage
Cristallerie de Montbronn is located in the heart of the historic Vallée du Cristal. Also known as the "Route du verre et du cristal", this little corner of paradise for all crystal lovers links the main glass and crystal factories of Lorraine and the Northern Vosges. A unique artisanal and artistic heritage whose worldwide reputation is well established.
Since the Middle Ages, Lorraine's glass factories have taken advantage of the region's extremely prolific supply of sand, wood, and water, the three materials necessary for the creation of crystal; but it was not until the 17th century that a new wave of glass activity appeared on the borders of Lorraine and Alsace. Throughout History, technical evolution and the symphony of heritage, glassworks and crystal factories opened their doors, one by one.
Grand Prix de la Créativité
1986
Cristallerie de Montbronn won the “Grand Prix de la Créativité”, celebrating the dedicated and precise work of our craftsmen.
Grand Prix Export Fondexpa
1988
Two years later, in 1988, the company won the “Grand Prix Export Fondexpa”, a time period that is particularly dear to the entire team of the Cristallerie de Montbronn and which continues to fuel its motivation.
Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant Label
2007
2007 marks a new turning point for the Cristallerie de Montbronn, which is awarded the EPV (“Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”) label, honouring the company's exceptional know-how.
Stars & Métiers
2008
In 2008, Cristallerie de Montbronn won the "Stars et Métiers" award in the "Dynamique commerciale" category. These are important awards in the eyes of our team, which we carry with pride and honour.
Family resumption
2016
Since 2016, the Cristallerie de Montbronn has been run by Frédéric Muller, accompanied by his wife Gabrielle and their daughter, Camille. The three of them bring ambition and exceptional work to lead the Cristallerie de Montbronn towards a future that is all the more brilliant.
New beginnings
2025
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Cristallerie de Montbronn. Discover our new areas dedicated to industrial tourism and the immersive experience of craft creation.
Learn more
Our team
A unique and collective experience
About twenty talented craftsmen continue to carry on the know-how by bringing their constantly evolving techniques to the creation of new collections. Together, they breathe a wind of novelty and innovation that has earned the Cristallerie de Montbronn a multi-national reputation as well as the unparalleled trust of its prestigious clients; collaborations that contribute to the evolution and continuous advancement of the world of luxury.
Regularly, our creative and technical teams work on the conception of novelties, creating new collections with a classical or contemporary look and technique.
Cristallerie de Montbronn has a wide range of 13 colours in layered crystal that is in constant expansion. Each collection illustrates the timelessness of crystal with ever more advanced or minimalist designs.
Finally, each piece is subject to rigorous quality control, and careful and meticulous packaging before leaving our workshops to be delivered worldwide.
As we close the chapter on 2024, a year marked by success, encounters and renewed energy, Cristallerie de Montbronn would like to express its deep gratitude. You have been much more than witnesses to this adventure: you are the actors. Thank you for your trust, your commitment and your loyalty, which have enhanced our every step.
2025 is already on the horizon, full of ambitious projects and dreams to be fulfilled. Together, we will continue to push back the boundaries of luxury craftsmanship, to reinvent excellence and to set our vision in stone. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to sharing this next bold and exciting step with you. Stay tuned to find out more about our new building!
