On September 20 and 21, curious youngsters can discover all the hidden treasures of Paris, thanks to the Journées du patrimoine. For example, you’ll go backstage at the Comédie Française, discover the magnificent 8ᵉ Hôtel de Ville or take a tour of the sublime Italian embassy. This time, we invite you to discover the Ecole de Mines Paris – PSL. A prestigious and astonishing place, where unsuspected wonders are hidden… Including a museum and a hidden library!
A renowned venue
Nestled in the Hôtel Vendôme, a stone’s throw from the Luxembourg Gardens, the École des Mines is one of the most prestigious in Paris . Founded 240 years ago, by order of King Louis XVI, the school was intended to train young subjects formineral research and exploitation. While the historic school is located on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens, since 1967 it has expanded to Fontainebleau (500 m from the château), Corbeil and Evry.
In its magnificent 18ᵉ century mansion, you’ll be absolutely dazzled by its garden overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens greenhouses. The calm that reigns here is breathtaking, and almost makes us forget the hustle and bustle of Paris! In addition to this green setting, you can discover the Musée de l’École, dedicated to mineralogy, as well as the hidden library…
A hidden library in a prestigious Parisian school…
This is the highlight of the tour. The immense library of Mines Paris – PSL is an unsuspected jewel of Parisian heritage. In this impressive reading room, several thousand books are housed on three levels. The imposing glass roof floods the space with light all day long. Decorated with classified period woodwork, it houses a selection of very rare antiquarian books, manuscripts and archival documents. The atmosphere here is particularly relaxing, conducive to calm and reflection. A magical place, rarely open to the public, that will leave you breathless.
Of course, this isn’t the school’s only hidden treasure. You’ll also discover a surprising and little-known museum: the Musée de Minéralogie. It boasts an exceptional mineralogical collection, among the richest in the world. Emeralds, amethysts, topazes… more than 100,000 samples are kept here, including 4,000 on display. Today, the museum still serves as an educational resource for researchers and teachers.
To get there, you’ll have to climb a sumptuous staircase, a work of art in its own right. Decorated with oil paintings on marouflaged canvas, it illustrates the entire history of the school: from its missions to its areas of expertise and teaching. Produced between 1852 and 1859, you’ll be amazed by the beauty and finesse of these paintings.
École des Mines Paris – PSL opens its doors on Saturday September 20 only. Registration is free and compulsory here. There are still a few slots available! A great opportunity to visit this nugget of Parisian heritage.
📍 Location: 60 Bd Saint-Michel, 75272 Paris
🗓️ Date: September 20
💶 Price: free – free and compulsory registration