Schoelcher Library
Martinique
The Schoelcher Library, located in Fort-de-France, Martinique, is a public departmental library named after Victor Schœlcher, a French abolitionist and politician. The library was established to provide open access to knowledge, especially for the education of former enslaved people. Its building was designed by architect Pierre-Henri Picq and originally exhibited as the Indochina Pavilion at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition before being dismantled, shipped, and reconstructed in Martinique. The library's architecture is notable for its eclectic style, combining Byzantine, Art Nouveau, Egyptian, and Western classical influences, highlighted by a metallic skeleton and a large glass dome illuminating the reading room. The collection includes about 130,000 volumes, with a significant focus on Caribbean literature and history, preserving rare items such as a copy of Victor Hugo's "Quatrevingt-treize" and a 17th-century Latin navigation treatise. Despite setbacks like the 1890 fire and a tropical cyclone in 1891, the library opened in 1893 and remains a cultural monument, listed as a historic monument since 1993. It stands as a symbol of education, cultural heritage, and the legacy of abolitionism in the Caribbean.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the library during weekdays when it is fully operational and quieter. Advance inquiries by phone can help confirm opening hours and any special exhibitions. The library offers free access, and visitors interested in Caribbean history and literature will find its collections particularly valuable. There are no specific ticket requirements, but respecting the reading room's quiet environment is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The library building was originally the Indochina Pavilion at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition before being relocated to Martinique.
- •The original collection included 10,000 books and 250 musical scores donated by Victor Schœlcher, a prominent abolitionist.
- •About 1,200 books survived the major fire of 1890, including a copy of Victor Hugo's "Quatrevingt-treize" personally dedicated by the author.
- •The library's architectural style uniquely blends Byzantine, Art Nouveau, Egyptian, and Western classical elements.
- •It features a metallic skeleton similar to that of the nearby Saint-Louis Cathedral, also designed by the same architect, Pierre-Henri Picq.
History
The Schoelcher Library was founded following the donation by Victor Schœlcher of his personal collection of 10,000 books and 250 musical scores to Martinique's General Council, with the condition that it be accessible to all, especially former enslaved people.
The building, designed by Pierre-Henri Picq, was first exhibited in Paris in 1889 before being transported and reconstructed in Fort-de-France.
The library faced significant challenges, including a major fire in 1890 that destroyed most of the original collection, and a tropical cyclone in 1891 that delayed its opening.
Despite these setbacks, it officially opened in 1893.
Over time, the library grew its holdings to approximately 130,000 volumes and was classified as a historic monument in 1993.
Place Guide
Reading Room and Glass Dome1889
This central space is illuminated by a large glass dome and showcases the library's unique metal framework, creating an airy and inspiring environment for readers.
Library Facade and Mosaic Fronton1889
The exterior facade features colorful mosaics and friezes bearing the names of great French writers, reflecting the library's dedication to literature and culture.
Historic Collections
The library houses a significant collection of Caribbean literature and rare historical documents, including a 17th-century Latin navigation treatise and the Code Noir, a decree regulating slavery in French colonies.
Contact
Phone: 0596 55 68 30