Our archives: the Academy's scientific heritage
Accessible and available to all audiences, explore a rich and valuable collection that traces the life of the Academy and the evolution of French science over several centuries.
Nos trésors scientifiques
The Frecnh Academy of sciences has always been concerned with preserving its memory, and has had a separate archive since the 1880s. The Archives of the Academy conserve various types of documents, the oldest of which date back to the time of its creation, at the end of the 17th century.
These include archives produced as part of its research and then expert and advisory activities, as well as personal archive holdings of scientists entrusted to its care.
These include documents relating to academic sessions, prizes and competitions, sealed envelopes deposited under the seal of secrecy, and biographical files on academicians.
The library also holds printed sources: Academy publications, as well as scientific works and works on the history of science. Some are digitized by the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
The French Academy of sciences has had a separate archives department since the 1880s. It welcomes the public in the reading room and guides them through the collections.
The archive room is open to readers from Monday to Friday.
Practical information
Horaires d'ouvertures
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Lundi10h-17h
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Mardi9h30-17h
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MercrediFermé
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Jeudi9h30-17h
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Vendredi9h30-17h
Educational activities at the Archives
Since January 2023, the Archives department has been organizing educational activities for high school classes. These activities focus on certain aspects of the French national curriculum through the study of documents preserved by the Academy of Sciences, particularly those produced between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Each session lasts half a day and takes place in a room at the Palais de l'Institut de France (23 quai de Conti, Paris 6th arrondissement).
Reservations can be made via the Adage platform (free registration). However, we recommend contacting us in advance.
Archives to discover on site
Explore a rich and rare scientific heritage, within our reading room and don't hesitate to call on our team who are at your disposal and ready to help you.
History of archives
This process existed long before patents were filed.
It was thanks to a sealed envelope that the invention of the machine-gun bicycle during the Second World War was discovered.
"We have the only historical archive dedicated to the History of Science, with a fairly broad disciplinary scope"
Video series : Treasures from the archives
Video series : Treasures from the archives
Do you need to call on the archives service?
Don't hesitate to contact us or pay us a visit! We look forward to hearing from you
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