Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Jean Calvin Museum was created in 1927 by the Société de l'histoire du Protestantisme français (SHPF) on the location of Jean Calvin's home, destroyed in the 16th century. The purpose of this project was to preserve the memory of the Protestant reformer, born in Noyon in 1509, by rebuilding a house inspired by the architectural style of the 16th century. The initial collections come from the deposits of the SHPF and the Reformed Church of France, with rare pieces such as 16th century prints (Placard against Mass of 1534, Bible of Olivetan of 1535) and engravings related to Calvin.

Since 1954, the management of the museum has been entrusted to the city of Noyon, in collaboration with the Society of Friends of the Calvin Museum, which contributes to the enrichment of the collections. The museum highlights emblematic objects such as the original edition of Calvin's Christian Institution (1536), as well as portraits and scenes of his life. The architecture of the building, designed by architects Letrosne and Denis, takes over the local aesthetic codes of the 16th century to evoke the historical framework of the reformer.

The museum is labeled Musée de France and focuses on three thematic areas: decorative arts, history (including local and regional) and literature. Its major asset lies in the evocation of the history of Protestantism in the 16th and 17th centuries, through ancient printed backgrounds, engravings and paintings. The location of the museum, although specified in Noyon (6 Place Aristide Briand), is sometimes confused with the neighbouring municipality of Appilly, as mentioned in some sources.

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