Ancien Collège des Jésuites de Reims, Historical museum and educational complex in Reims, France
The Ancien Collège des Jésuites is a building complex in Reims with a French Baroque library decorated with garlands, scrolls, and cherubs alongside a refectory featuring wooden wall panels. Today it houses Sciences Po university and the Regional Contemporary Art Fund, with the architecture accommodating both historical and modern uses.
The Jesuit college was founded in 1608 by the Society of Jesus and served as an educational center for the region for over a century. After the expulsion of Jesuits from France in 1762, the building underwent several transformations and eventually evolved into its current role housing university and cultural institutions.
The refectory displays paintings by Jean Hélart showing the lives of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier, the founders of the Jesuit order. These artworks tell the story of the religious figures whose teachings shaped the community that once filled these rooms.
The building is located at Place Museux and features wheelchair accessibility throughout its spaces, making it easy to navigate for all visitors. The interior is clearly marked, allowing you to move smoothly between the Baroque library, refectory, and gallery areas.
The Cour des Pères contains a sundial and vines dating back to the 17th century, both protected as historical monuments. These two elements offer a glimpse into the daily rhythms and connection to nature that existed within the college walls centuries ago.
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