Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée d'Histoire Jean Garcin : 1939-1945 The Call for Liberty was inaugurated in 1990 in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, in the department of Vaucluse (region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). It offers an immersive dive into the pivotal period of World War II, from pre-war to liberation, through a multidisciplinary approach combining history, literature and art. Its originality lies in the reconstruction of cinematic ambiences inspired by poetic realism, which stage the daily life of the French under occupation. The sets and objects exhibited aim to restore the atmosphere of the period, while integrating testimonies and narratives by actors of the Resistance.

The museum houses a collection of more than 10,000 pieces, including objects, documents, clandestine editions, militant journals and committed authors such as René Char, Georges Rouault, André Breton, Robert Desnos and Aragon. A specific section, entitled "Freedom of the Spirit", explores the ideals of the Resistance, their heritage and their meaning, relying on original works by major artists such as Henri Matisse or Joan Miró. This reflexive component questions "intelligence at war" and the deep motivations of the resistors, by keeping them in the national and local context, especially in Vaucluse.

Labelled "Musée de France", the establishment stands out for its emblematic address — Chemin du gouffre, close to the famous source of the Sorgue — and its educational role. It offers both a local (via the history of the Resistance in Vaucluse) and a universal (through the themes of freedom and commitment). The collections include rare pieces, such as censored editions or documents from abroad, illustrating the diversity of voices and fighting during this period.

The museum is managed by the Department of Vaucluse, which highlights its territorial anchor and accessibility. Its website and contact details (telephone, precise address) facilitate the visit, while tools such as Street View allow for an approximate location. Despite the fact that the map is considered poor (note of 5/10 according to Monumentum base), the museum remains a must-see place, combining historical rigour and artistic emotion to convey the heritage of the Resistance.

External links