As the world’s first school to educate blind students, it is also the place where Louis Braille developed his alphabet. Built in 1785 by Valentin Haüy, the National Institute for the Blind (INJA), located at 56 Boulevard des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement, conceals behind its façade the world’s very first school designed for blind students—and a place that forever changed the way blind people access reading and writing.
INJA: The Place Where Louis Braille Invented His Alphabet
It was indeed within the walls ofthe INJA that Louis Braille—himself a student and later a teacher at the institute in the 19th century—developed the raised-dot writing system that bears his name today and is used all over the world. Two centuries later, the institution continues to welcome young people who are blind or visually impaired, carrying on an educational mission that is unique on a global scale. It also provides an exceptional setting for cultural events such as the famous Candlelight concerts.
Every year,the European Heritage Days offer an opportunity to step inside this place, which is usually reserved for the institute’s students and staff. It’s a chance to discover a little-known chapter of Parisian history, at the intersection of architectural heritage, the history of science, and social history.
An event not to be missed in the 7th arrondissement
Every year, Heritage Days are held on the third weekend of September, with thousands of sites usually closed to the public opening their doors throughout France. The 2026 edition is expected to follow the same schedule, with the INJA—an iconic building in the 7th arrondissement—expected to be open throughout the weekend.
Practical Information
📍 Location: National Institute for Blind Youth, 56 Boulevard des Invalides, 75007 Paris
📆 Dates: European Heritage Days 2026, September 19–20 weekend
🎟️ Admission: Free, subject to availability