On September 19 and 20, Heritage Days invites you to explore sumptuous venues—some of which are very rarely open to the public—for just one weekend. For example, you can gobehind the scenes at the Comédie Française, or explore magnificent libraries such as the National Institute of Art History. This time,we invite you to discover the École des Mines Paris – PSL. A prestigious and surprising place, where unexpected wonders lie hidden… including a museum and a hidden library!
A magnificent place just a stone’s throw from the Luxembourg Gardens
Nestled in the Hôtel Vendôme, the École des Mines is one of the most prestigious in Paris. Founded 240 years ago by decree of King Louis XVI, it has historically been located on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens. Since 1967, it has expanded to Fontainebleau (500 meters from the castle), Corbeil, and then Évry.
Its mansion overlooks the greenhouses of the Luxembourg Gardens and offers a truly welcome sense of calm—one that’s almost unique in Paris. Full of surprises, it houses an astonishing museum dedicated to mineralogy, whose collection is one of the richest in the world!
A hidden library in a prestigious school in Paris…
During your visit, you’ll no doubt be captivated by the vast library of École des Mines Paris – PSL. In this impressive reading room, with its carved wood paneling, several thousand books, manuscripts, and rare archival documents are housed across three levels. And what’s most striking is undoubtedly the light thatfloods the space all day long, thanks to its imposing skylight.
A magical place, usually reserved for students, researchers, and professors, which will be open to the general public exclusively on September 19. Please note: while the tour is free, registration is required. There are still slots available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but we’d like to warn you—they’re likely to fill up very quickly… A wonderful opportunity to visit this extraordinary gem of Parisian heritage.
📍 Location: 60 Bd Saint-Michel, 75272 Paris
🗓️ Date: September 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💶 Price: Free—registration is free and required