International Museum of the Reformation plays a vital role in showcasing the history of the Reformation, of which Jean Calvin was one of the initiators. Mallet House that was built in the 18th century is the place where the Reformation was adopted by a unanimous vote on 21 May 1536. Through objects, books, manuscripts, paintings and engravings, the museum retraces the history of the Reformation Movement.
As a part of this movement, Jean Calvin rejected Papal Authority, in order to establish a new scheme of governance. Thereafter, he turned Geneva into a hub from which Reformed theology was propagated. An archaeological site under the St. Pierre Cathedral, it is connected with the museum via an underground passageway.
In this twelve-room museum, tourists can review the history of Protestantism. Opened on 15 April 2005, the museum focuses on the most significant events of Geneva, France and the Piedmontese Waldensians between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Permanent exhibits of the museum comprise over 400 objects of every kind such as paintings, books, manuscripts, gold and silver and medals, along with the first French Bible of 1535 and Calvin's manuscripts.
Exhibits of the museum address the issues faced by Protestantism, including missions, women in ministry, ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue. A 15-minute audio-visual show held in an exhibition hall decorated like an 18th century sitting room retraces the story of the Reformation Movement.
Timing: 10 am - 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) Admission Fees: $11.88 (Adults)
$5.93 (Children between 7 to 16 years)
