Musée Jean-Calvin
Museum devoted to John Calvin, the French-language Reformation and French Protestantism, built on the presumed site of Calvin’s birthplace in Noyon.
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About the museum
The museum was built between 1927 and 1930 by the architect Charles Letrosne, at the initiative of the Société de l’histoire du protestantisme français, on the presumed site of the house where John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509. It was modernized in 1983 and holds the “Musée de France” label.
The route spreads over three floors. The first floor presents the iconography of the birthplace and the so-called “chambre de Calvin”, which displays original works and prints as well as Protestant translations of the Bible. The second floor traces the political relations between Protestants and the royal power in the 16th century, up to the Wars of Religion. The third floor illustrates the rise of Protestant spirituality and its effects on everyday life.
The collections include rare 16th-century prints, such as the Placard contre la messe of 1534, the Olivétan Bible of 1535 and the original edition of the Institution chrétienne of 1536, as well as engravings and paintings, notably portraits and scenes from Calvin’s life. The museum also addresses the “Désert” period of the French Protestant community in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Highlights
- First edition of the Institution chrétienne (1536) and Olivétan Bible (1535)
- Placard contre la messe of 1534
- “chambre de Calvin” with prints and Bible translations
- Engravings and paintings on the Wars of Religion
- 1920s building on the presumed site of the reformer’s birthplace
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent : Jean Calvin et la Réforme – Three floors devoted to Calvin’s birthplace, his works, the Wars of Religion, Protestant spirituality and the “Désert” period.
- Operated by
- Ville de Noyon
- Visitors per year
- approx. 9,458
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Job seekers, people under 25 and people under 18 |
| Children & teens | €2.50Reduced rate for people under 18. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50Reduced rate for young people under 25. |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month
Free admission on presentation of proof for certain groups.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop, library and screening room.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Self-guided visits are welcome; guided tours on request. A visitor booklet and a video accompany the route. |
