Musée protestant de la Grange de Wassy
Museum housed in the Protestant temple of Wassy, on the site of the 1562 massacre that triggered the Wars of Religion in France.
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About the museum
On March 1, 1562, the Duke of Guise and his troops attacked some 1,000 unarmed Protestants gathered for worship in a barn in Wassy. At least a hundred men, women and children were killed. This episode is considered the starting point of the Wars of Religion, which pitted Catholics against Protestants until the Edict of Nantes, signed by Henry IV in 1598.
In 1980 it was decided to breathe new life into this historic site by creating a museum devoted to the history of French Protestantism and to freedom of conscience. The presbytery was demolished in 1990 for safety reasons and replaced by a Square of the Reformation. The temple was restored and now houses the museum.
Panels, display cases and a video present the history of Wassy's Protestant community and of the Wars of Religion. Among the items on show are old Bibles, Huguenot crosses, engravings, medals and portraits.
Highlights
- Museum in the temple, on the site of the 1562 massacre
- Old Bibles, Huguenot crosses, engravings and medals
- Introductory video on the history of Wassy's Protestants
- Free admission by reservation
Permanent exhibition
- Exposition permanente sur le protestantisme et les guerres de religion – Panels, display cases and a video on Wassy's Protestant community, the 1562 massacre and the Wars of Religion.
- Founded
- 1980
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
The visit is free, by reservation with the town hall. Groups may request a self-guided or a guided visit.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visits, individually or in groups, on request. Documentation is in French; the reception is in French and English. The museum cannot be hired for private events. |
