A new museum in Geneva: The International Museum of the reformation highlights the 16th century movement that revolutionised Geneva's social and economic fabric and spread its religious message well beyond the confines of 'Protestant Rome.'.
The new museum opened its doors this spring with a two-day, open-air celebration on the square outside St. Peter's Cathedral.
The idea is decades old, but was taken up in earnest by historian Olivier Fatio, who spearheaded development, authored a 160-page book, 'Understanding the Reformation,' and now chairs the museum foundation. Funding is by private donors including--to the tune of over SFr 4 million--the bank of Pictet & Cie.
The museum has been met with great public and media interest, owing in part to the compelling nature of the story behind it; the story of the Reformation.
The story
The early 16th century was a time of economic strife in Geneva, and disillusionment was running high concerning the perceived corruption and decadence of the Catholic Church.
A centuries-old system of governance by bishop-princes was replaced in 1526 by a new political institution, the Council of Two Hundred, the predecessor of Geneva's present-day state parliament. Geneva also embraced a new religion based in reformist tenets first aired by Martin Luther in 1517.
Within a decade, the influence of Frenchman Jean Calvin would emerge, shaping both secular and religious thinking for the centuries that followed.
On May 21, 1536, in the old cloister of St. Peter's Cathedral--where the new museum now stands--the citizens of Geneva voted in the Reformation.
Maison Mallet
We enter the Maison Mallet, which houses the museum, from the Rue du Cloitre--the name being about all that remains of the old cathedral cloister where the fateful vote was cast.
The mansion, itself, was a product of the affluence that accompanied two waves of Protestant refugees escaping religious persecution in 1572 and 1685. Refugees brought skills in banking, trade, manufacturing and crafts that gave new lustre to Geneva's economic fortunes.
Built for draper-turned-banker Gedeon Mallet and his large family, the 18th century mansion was so grand that would-be enforcers of Geneva's sumptuary laws--aiming to keep big spenders and luxury in check--were offended by it.
Many visitors to the refurbished Maison Mallet--a 1723 design by Parisian architect Jean-Francois Blondel--feel transported to the Marais quarter in Paris.
But at the entrance, a splendid frame of Geneva's iconic water geyser, the Jet d'Eau, can be seen through a narrow space between adjacent buildings.
Meet the director
Isabelle Graessle, a 46-year-old ordained minister with a PhD from Strasbourg (France), has been a pastor in...
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