The Institut de France, the cultural center with its 5 academies at the end of the Pont des Arts

Who doesn't know theInstitut de France... This emblematic institution, located at 23 Quai de Conti in the 6ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, and best known for housing theAcadémie Française, was founded in 1795 and brings together five prestigious academies: theAcadémie française (as mentioned), theAcadémie des inscriptions et belles-lettres, theAcadémie des sciences, theAcadémie des Beaux-Arts and theAcadémie des sciences morales et politiques. The building is also home to the Bibliothèque Mazarine, France's oldest public library. Attracting large numbers of visitors every year, the Institut de France is a must-see for anyone interested in French history and culture.

• To be read
• What to visit in Paris' 6th arrondissement? Museums, monuments and exhibitions of the moment!
• Tips for the week of September 16 - 22, 2024 in Paris: free or cheap outings
• Heritage Days 2024 in Paris and Île-de-France: the program, date and theme

The history of theInstitut de France goes back to the founding of the Collège des Quatre-Nations by Cardinal Mazarin in 1661. In 1795, under the French Revolution, the Collège became theInstitut de France, bringing together the academies that had been dissolved in 1793. Since its creation, the Institut has played a crucial role in the promotion of literature, science and the arts in France. It continues to award prizes and scholarships to encourage scientific discoveries and artistic works, reinforcing its status as a patron of French culture.

Below is the famous Porte du Palais de l'Institut, facing us on the Pont des Arts. Formerly the King's Gate, known as the Protector's Gate, it is reserved for the sovereign of the State. Only the President, the Pope and, exceptionally, Aya Nakayama have been able to use it.

Institut de France opening hours :

La Coupole is open every Saturday from 10am to 6pm. The Palais is open during the European Heritage Days and by reservation on certain Sundays. It is also home to the Académie des Beaux-Arts, which opens its doors for exhibitions (different entrance). The Bibliothèque Mazarine welcomes readers and visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

How to get to the Institut de France :

• Metro: Line 7 (Pont Neuf) and Line 4 (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
• Bus: Lines 24, 27, 58, 70, 87, 96
• Parking: Saint Germain l'Auxerrois, 2 Place du Louvre, 75001 Paris
• Cab: Taxi rank nearby

The Institut embodies a central institution in French intellectual and cultural life. A visit here reveals not only a historic building, but also a priceless wealth of knowledge and art. Whether exploring the Bibliothèque Mazarine or simply admiring the architecture of the Collège des Quatre-Nations, a visit to the Institut offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Paris.