Ever wondered what school was like over a century ago? The Classe-Musée in Lyon offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Let’s step back in time together. The Classe-Musée is not just a museum. It is a preserved classroom that recreates the atmosphere of a late 19th-century school.
The Classe-Musée is located within the Jean Macé school. This school was built in 1887 using beautiful golden stones. It opened its doors as a museum in 2000. This was thanks to a teacher who salvaged old school furniture during renovations in 1994. All the old items were headed for the trash.
Inside the Classe-Musée, you will find antique desks. There are also old maps, class photos, and historic school supplies. Textbooks from that era are on display too. These objects offer a vivid look at the history of public schools. The collection focuses on the period from the late 19th century onward.
The reforms of Jules Ferry in the 1880s were a turning point. They made education free, secular, and compulsory for children aged 6 to 13. The Classe-Musée helps us understand these changes. It shows how education became a right for all children. Social background or gender didn’t matter anymore.
The Classe-Musée serves as a valuable resource. It hosts about forty school classes each year. They are mainly from Lyon and its surrounding area. The museum offers tours and workshops for children. Activities include observing old school materials and writing with ink.
The Classe-Musée also welcomes other groups. These include senior citizens and students. It opens to the public on the Saturday of European Heritage Days. There is a special exhibition every year.
The Classe-Musée de la Plaine is part of a larger network. This network includes museums dedicated to the history of education in France. These institutions help preserve our educational heritage. They allow us to understand the evolution of teaching methods. They also show us the societal changes through education.
To visit the Classe-Musée, head to 2 rue du Général André in Lyon’s 8th arrondissement. You can take tram T4 to États-Unis Viviani station. Or take T6 to Grange Rouge Santy station. Bus C25 also stops at Général André.
The Classe-Musée is open to the public on the second Saturday of June. It is also open on the Saturday of European Heritage Days. It is free for individuals. Group visits can be arranged by reservation.
The Classe-Musée offers a unique opportunity. It lets people of all ages discover the ambiance of classrooms from the past. It preserves educational heritage. It invites us to appreciate progress. It also encourages us to think about the future of education.