Musée International de la Réforme (International Museum of the Reformation), Geneva

Musée International de la Réforme (International Museum of the Reformation), Geneva

The International Museum of the Reformation, situated in the historic center of Geneva, opened its doors on April 15, 2005. It is dedicated to showcasing the history of the Protestant Reformation, which originated with Martin Luther's protest in 1517 and was further championed by John Calvin in Geneva in 1536. This religious movement still holds a significant presence worldwide in the 21st century.

The museum is housed in Maison Mallet, a distinguished residence constructed in 1723 by Gédéon Mallet, a French banker who was a descendant of Huguenot refugees. The location of this building is particularly noteworthy, as it stands on the grounds where the citizens of Geneva officially embraced the Reformation on May 21, 1536, following the Saint-Barthelémy massacre.

The museum's permanent exhibition spans nine rooms, with an additional five rooms dedicated to temporary exhibitions, all found on the ground floor and basement of Maison Mallet. Drawing upon a wealth of archival materials and a rich array of visual representations, the museum provides an intricate account of the Reformation's evolution, tracing its origins right up to the present day. The majority of the museum's collections comprise manuscripts, engravings, portraits, caricatures, as well as ancient bibles and books.

The museum also serves as a platform for open discussions, fostering an understanding of contemporary religious matters from a cultural perspective. One of its primary objectives is to encourage dialogue among various faiths and religious traditions by hosting temporary exhibitions and conferences.

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Musée International de la Réforme (International Museum of the Reformation) on Map

Sight Name: Musée International de la Réforme (International Museum of the Reformation)
Sight Location: Geneva, Switzerland (See walking tours in Geneva)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

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