Restoring the Historic Reading Room of the Humanities Library

A Founding Place in ENS History

Inaugurated on November 4, 1847, when the École normale supérieure moved to rue d’Ulm, in the presence of Victor Hugo, among others, the historic reading room of the Humanities Library is one of the School’s most iconic spaces. For nearly 180 years, it has played a central role in the education of generations of ENS students, welcomed researchers, and housed an exceptional documentary heritage.

The library remains a vibrant space today, used daily by ENS students, faculty members, and researchers, as well as by members of the French and international academic communities.

Restoring a Living Heritage for Future Generations

After nearly two centuries of use, the historic reading room now needs to be restored, both to preserve its heritage and to meet the needs of a modern research library.

The project includes:

restoring the wood paneling, parquet flooring, and historic furniture;
improving the lighting and comfort of library users;
bringing the technical and safety systems up to current standards;
creating new study and consultation areas in the adjoining corridor;
creating a flexible space capable of hosting readings, lectures, exhibitions, and academic events.

A Project Marking 180 Years on Rue d’Ulm

The Fondation de l’ENS is leading a fundraising campaign to enable work to begin and the restored reading room to reopen in November 2027, marking the 180th anniversary of the School’s move to rue d’Ulm.

This restoration offers an opportunity to preserve for future generations a place that remains at the heart of the School’s intellectual life.