The Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève is a historic library located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. It was established in 1624 as part of the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève and has since grown to become one of the largest public libraries in France. The library's collections cover a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, philosophy, science, and art....
Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève, Paris, France
The Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève is a historic library located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. It was established in 1624 as part of the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève and has since grown to become one of the largest public libraries in France. The library's collections cover a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, philosophy, science, and art.
History
The library's origins can be traced back to the 5th century, when the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève was founded by Clovis, the first king of the Franks. The abbey was dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and over time it became a center of learning and scholarship. In the 17th century, the library was established as part of the abbey and began to expand its collections.
During the French Revolution, the library's collections were seized by the state and transferred to the newly-created Bibliothèque Nationale de France. However, the library was reopened in 1801 under the direction of the scholar and statesman Abel-François Villemain. In 1850, the library moved to its current location on the Place du Panthéon, a building designed by the architect Henri Labrouste.
Collections
Today, the Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève houses over two million documents, including books, manuscripts, prints, maps, and photographs. The library's collections are particularly strong in the areas of literature, history, philosophy, and art. Among the library's most valuable holdings are medieval manuscripts, incunabula (books printed before 1501), and rare editions of works by French authors such as Rabelais, Montaigne, and Molière.
The library also has a significant collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Many of these works were donated to the library by prominent artists and collectors, such as the painter Eugène Delacroix and the collector Alfred Bruyas. Some of the most notable artworks in the library's collections include:
- Robert de Cotte by Antoine Coysevox (View on ArtsDot.com)
- Ditch at Place de la Concorde by Hubert Robert (View on ArtsDot.com)
- Jean Mariette, Engraver by Antoine Pesne (View on ArtsDot.com)
- Bagatelle Pavilion by François Joseph Bélanger (View on ArtsDot.com)
Visiting the Library
The Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève is open to the public and welcomes researchers, students, and visitors from around the world. The library's reading rooms are equipped with modern facilities, including Wi-Fi access and computer workstations. Visitors can also view exhibitions of rare books and artworks, attend lectures and conferences, and participate in cultural events.
To visit the Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève, visitors must register for a reader's card at the library's entrance. The library is located on the Place du Panthéon, near the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon monument. It can be easily reached by public transportation, including the Métro (Line 10) and several bus routes.
Conclusion
The Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture, with rich collections of books, manuscripts, artworks, and other documents. It is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history and heritage of France, as well as a vibrant center of scholarship and research. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply a curious traveler, the Bibliothèque Ste Geneviève offers a unique and enriching experience that will inspire and delight you.
Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève (Website)
Sorbonne University (Website)
Musée Carnavalet (Website)