The Jean Frédéric Oberlin Museum, also known as the Oberlin Museum, is situated in the commune of Waldersbach, Bas-Rhin. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Alsatian pastor Jean Frédéric Oberlin. It is one of the most well-known Protestant museums in France and is located on a verdant slope in the high valley of the Bruche, Waldersbach, the village of Ban de la Roche, where Oberlin served his ministry for 59 years.
The collections and original museography of the Oberlin Museum reveal the thirst for knowledge and the eclectic interests of Jean Frédéric Oberlin. He was a visionary preacher, a pioneer in pedagogy, and a fervent defender of social progress. His methodical and rigorous spirit greatly facilitated the museum's development, which was gradually established within the presbytery built for him in 1787.
The Oberlin Museum underwent a full renovation and reopened its doors in July 2002. The renovation and expansion of the museum were carried out for a sum of five million euros. The funding was provided by Europe, the Alsace region, the DRAC, and the community of communes of the Haute Bruche, which owns the collections and pays the curator and animators.
Today, the Oberlin Museum receives about 20,000 visitors per year from all over the world. This attests to the museum's popularity and the global interest in the life and work of Jean Frédéric Oberlin. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of this visionary preacher and pioneer in pedagogy.
History & Anthropology
From 1 April to 30 September: every day from 10 am to 7 pm (Tuesdays by reservation)
From 1 October to 31 March: every day from 2 pm to 6 pm and mornings by reservation, except Tuesdays
Closed: on Tuesdays and on the following dates:
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, May Day, Pentecost Sunday, November 1; 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
Montée Oberlin 25, Waldersbach
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Jean-Frédéric Oberlin Museum has 1 rating.
The Jean-Frédéric Oberlin Museum in Waldersbach, France, offers visitors an insightful look into the life and work of Pastor Jean-Frédéric Oberlin, an important figure in 18th-century education and social reform. Located in the picturesque Vosges Mountains, the museum is housed in the former presbytery where Oberlin lived and worked.
The museum showcases Oberlin's contributions to education, agriculture, and community development. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring original manuscripts, educational materials, and personal belongings of Oberlin. The museum effectively illustrates his innovative teaching methods and his impact on early childhood education.
While the museum provides a comprehensive overview of Oberlin's life, some visitors note that the exhibits could benefit from more interactive elements or English translations to enhance the experience for international tourists. The rural location, while charming, can make accessibility challenging for some visitors.
Despite its small size, the museum offers a thorough and educational experience for those interested in history, education, and social reform. The staff is generally noted to be knowledgeable and helpful, adding value to the visit.
Overall, the Jean-Frédéric Oberlin Museum provides a focused and informative look at an important historical figure, though it may primarily appeal to those with a specific interest in the subject matter or the history of the region.
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