Visite de François Ier aux monuments de Nîmes (1836)Museum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
In the 14th century, the consuls of Nîmes decided to create a college and a university for the arts. They seized the opportunity of the visit of Marguerite de Navarre and her brother, King François I, to Nîmes to submit their request, which was granted in 1539.
Détail du cloître du collège des Jésuites (2022-07-07)Museum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
The college occupied the buildings of the former Saint-Marc Hospital. Thanks to its outstanding faculty, it quickly gained great renown. In the 18th century, the premises were extended to accommodate more students.
Le Quadrilatère des JésuitesMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
From 1663 to 1795, the college was successively staffed by a Catholic and Protestant faculty, and then by the Jesuits.
During the French Revolution, it was used to store confiscated objects.
It then became a college again and was renovated in the 19th century.
Of classical style, the college was composed of a cloister, a library, classrooms, common areas, and a chapel. The main façade opens to the west onto the Grand'Rue (main street).
The Jesuit Chapel
The chapel of the former Jesuit college in Nîmes, dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, was built in 1678 based on the plans of Father Mathieu de Mourgues. It is now considered one of the iconic monuments of the city.
Its decoration and composition are inspired by the ancient and medieval architecture of the region. The capitals are inspired by those found in the Temple of Diana, a roman vestige of the city.
The discreet floral ornaments symbolize the loyalty and support of the Jesuit company to the king.
Vue intérieur de la chapelle des Jésuites (2022-07-10)Museum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
The single nave is covered with barrel vaults, three lanterns placed in the center of domes, wich provide an abundant light, and ends in the choir. Stands above the aisles open onto this nave.
Le cloître du collège des Jésuites (2022-07-11)Museum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
The Cloister
The Cloister was built between 1730 and 1740 by architect Jean-Baptiste Franque.
Its ornaments are of a style that was popular under Louis XIV's reign. They are said to have been made by sculptors from Nîmes.
L'ancienne bibliothèque municipale (2022-07-12)Museum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
The library
From 1794 to 1878, the public library was located in the building.
Changes were made when the Jesuit College was reinstalled in 1890. Among other things, appropriate furniture was installed in the reading rooms and the storerooms.
The Jules Salles gallery
The Jules Salles Gallery, designed by Max Raphel, was built in 1894. Two allegorical marble statues embodying Painting and Music decorate the façade. They provide a reminder of the gallery's function as an exhibition and concert space.
La galerie d'herpétologieMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
By the end of the 19th century, the lapidary and scientific collections were installed in the building, followed by the opening of the museums of natural history (1892) and archaeology (from 1892 to 2018).
Over the years, the Jesuit College underwent numerous renovation campaigns. Nowadays, it has kept its past structure and aspect. The richly decorated chapel was listed as a historical monument in 1973.
Realization: Ville de Nîmes - Muséum d'histoire naturelle et de préhistoire
Iconography: © Ville de Nîmes - Muséum d'histoire naturelle et de préhistoire
