The Musée du Désert, inaugurated in 1911, is an art and history museum located at Mas Soubeyran, in the municipality of Mialet, in the Gard department and the Occitanie region. The museum is dedicated to tracing the history of French Protestantism, with a particular focus on Cévenol Protestantism.
The museum offers a journey through 20 successive rooms, each evoking different periods of Protestant history and elements of the daily life of Cévenol Protestants. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including furniture and familiar objects, hiding places, weapons and maps, forbidden books, and more. The museum also showcases the hidden practice of this religion, with displays of portable pulpits, objects of worship, bibles, and clandestine registers of baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
Since March 2019, the museum has expanded with the opening of four new rooms, offering a more modern museum space and a larger collection of objects. The museum presents the entire Huguenot and Protestant memory in three parts: from the Reformation to the Revocation, the house of Rolland, and the memorial.
History & Anthropology Religion Historic house
Monday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 18:00 |
Le Mas-Soubeyran, Mialet
No exhibitions in Musée du Désert have been found.
Musée du Désert has 1 rating.
The Musée du Désert in Mialet, France, offers visitors an insightful look into the history of French Protestantism, particularly focusing on the Huguenots and the period known as the 'Desert' in the Cévennes region. The museum is housed in an old farmhouse, which adds to its historical atmosphere.
Visitors appreciate the museum's comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of religious persecution and resistance. The displays are informative and well-presented, providing a clear narrative of this important period in French history. Many find the recreated secret worship areas and the exhibits on daily life during the time of religious oppression particularly moving and educational.
The museum's rural setting in the Cévennes adds to its appeal, allowing visitors to connect with the landscape that played a crucial role in the history it presents. The staff are generally noted for being knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing the visitor experience.
However, some visitors mention that the museum might be challenging for those who don't understand French, as not all information is available in other languages. Additionally, due to its location, it can be a bit difficult to access without a car.
Overall, the Musée du Désert is valued for its historical significance and educational value, offering a deep dive into an often overlooked aspect of French religious history. It's particularly recommended for those interested in religious history or the Huguenot movement.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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