Maison-musée de l'abbé Lemire

About the museum

The house museum is the former home of Abbé Jules Lemire, who had it built in 1899 at the foot of the bell tower of the Saint-Éloi church in Hazebrouck. He lived there until his death in 1928. A priest, he served as a deputy for 35 years and as mayor of Hazebrouck for 14 years. In 1896 he founded the Ligue du Coin de Terre et du Foyer, from which the workers' gardens (jardins ouvriers) originated.

After his death, the neighboring public garden opened in 1929, and a béguinage was built to house elderly or single women. The house stood empty for a long time before becoming a place of memory. It was open to the public twice a year from 1970 onwards, and the ground floor was completely refitted for visitors in 1995.

The visit presents the abbé's study, which also served as a library and has remained unchanged since his death; the reconstruction of his office as a deputy in Paris, with original furniture; and the chapel authorized in 1916, where he said Mass every day. The museum is run by the town and brought to life by the association Mémoire de l'abbé Lemire, founded by his great-nephew Gilbert Louchart.

Highlights

• Study and library of Abbé Lemire, kept as they were
• Reconstruction of his Paris office as a deputy
• Private chapel, authorized in 1916
• Lion holding a hare on the façade, a remnant of the former town hall
• Free admission and guided tours by volunteers

Permanent exhibition

• La maison de l'abbé Lemire – The abbé's study and library, a reconstruction of his Paris office as a deputy, and a private chapel.

Operated by

Ville d'Hazebrouck et association Mémoire de l'abbé Lemire

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission for everyone, all year round. Card payments are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The upper floor is not open to the public. A reception room and toilets were recently installed in the neighboring house.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The house is located at the foot of the bell tower of the Saint-Éloi church, near the entrance to the public garden.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with books and DVDs about Abbé Lemire.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit