Bibliothèque des Arts décoratifs, Decorative arts library in Louvre Palace, France.
The Bibliothèque des Arts décoratifs is a specialized library in the Louvre's Marsan Pavilion that focuses on decorative arts, design, and architecture. It holds printed books, journals, and graphic collections spanning several centuries.
The library was founded in 1864 to supply artists and designers with knowledge about applied arts. It moved to the Louvre's Marsan Pavilion in 1904 and has remained there since.
The library holds extensive collections of posters, photographs, and prints that show how design entered everyday life and art. Visitors can see how visual expression evolved across generations.
The library is open to visitors by appointment and can be accessed during opening hours. It is worth checking in advance whether specific collections are available for viewing.
The collection includes rare menu cards from cruise ships of different eras, offering insights into maritime culture and design. These unusual documents show how everyday objects carry artistic and cultural values.
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