International Museum of the Reformation

The International Museum of the Reformation occupies the Maison Mallet, an 18th-century townhouse at Rue du Cloître 4 beside the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre in Geneva's Old Town, Switzerland. It is widely considered the best place to understand the story of Calvin's Geneva and the wider religious movement that reshaped Europe in the 16th century. The permanent exhibition follows the Reformation from its late-medieval roots through the preaching of Luther, Calvin and Farel, to the establishment of Geneva as a Protestant centre that sent pastors and ideas across the continent. Visitors see original manuscripts, rare printed books, Bibles in several languages, paintings, medals and everyday objects from the period. Multimedia presentations, short films and interactive stations help explain complex theological and political debates for non-specialists, and information is offered in several languages. A highlight is the section on Calvin's influence on education, social welfare and the city's reputation as a refuge for persecuted Protestants. The visit lasts about one to one and a half hours. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM and closed on Mondays. Admission is CHF 13 for adults and CHF 8 reduced, and under 18s enter free. Weekday mornings are quietest, whereas cathedral tours can bring clusters of visitors around midday. The museum's central location makes it easy to combine with the cathedral towers, the archaeological site beneath the church and the Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions, all within a short walk. The building's courtyard setting adds to the atmosphere. Visitors with limited time can concentrate on the manuscripts and the film introduction, while those with deeper interest in Protestant history can spend longer with the documents.