Virtual exhibition "1873-2023, 150 years rue de Lille".

Archives nationales, fonds de l'Architecture, CP/VA//157/8, École des langues orientales, projet de reconstruction : façade rue de Rennes, plan by Louis Faure-Dujarric, March 26, 1883. The development plan originally revolved around the project to extend rue de Rennes to the banks of the Seine, which was abandoned.

1873: a turning point in the history of Langues O'

On September 6, 1873, a decree signed by Patrice de Mac Mahon, President of the Republic, allocated the building at 2 rue de Lille, Paris 7e, known as the former "Hôtel de Bernage", to the École des langues orientales vivantes. At the end of 1873, after more than 70 years in existence, it moved into the building that would become today's Maison de la Recherche, leaving the premises it had temporarily occupied at the Collège de France. This move in space was in fact a turning point in the history of the École, which underwent a profound metamorphosis, and was also able to begin to equip itself with a library worthy of the name, the forerunner of the BULAC.

The BULAC was created in 1873.

Archives nationales, fonds de l'Instruction publique, F/17/*/1710, Extrait du décret du 6 septembre 1873 qui affecte le bâtiment du 2 rue de Lille à l'Ecole des langues orientales vivantes. (article 1): "The state-owned building located in Paris, rue de Lille n°2, is assigned to the Ministry of Public Instruction, Cults and Fine Arts for the service of the Ecole spéciale des Langues orientales vivantes".

At the time, the building at 2 rue de Lille was dilapidated and decrepit, with some parts threatening to collapse. It was very difficult to hold classes there! The 1880s saw the launch of a campaign to renovate the building. Architect Louis Faure-Dujarric was entrusted with the project.

An interactive exhibition to discover the past and present of 2 rue de Lille

See the exhibition produced by Inalco's scientific information, archives and heritage department (SISAP) and communications department.

From the layout plans drawn up by Louis Faure-Dujarric at the end of the 19th century, you can navigate between the floors and discover how the building was conceived when it was assigned to Inalco, including several projects that never saw the light of day, and what remains of it today. Simply click on the blue icons on the floor plans to find out more about the building's various rooms and spaces.