During this hour-long visit, a mediator will first paint you the picture of this famous library built in the 18th century under the direction of Nicola Pierson. Famous for its decoration and inestimable collection, this library has known no less than 2 fires, and the second one sealed its fate.

You will be then led through the Grandpierre library, which is only open for this occasion. In this place, the shelving of ancient books will please your eyes and make you dive into the heart of the 17th and 18th centuries to discover the personalities that made the renown of Pont-à-Mousson’s publishing industry. One of them is the printer and engraver Jean Appier also known as Hanzelet (1596-1647). While enlightening a part of the history of Pont-à-Mousson, this visit will also be the occasion to get back to the root of the Université de Lorraine, the former neighbour of the Abbey which celebrates its 450th anniversary this year.

History, literature, law and science are a few of the subjects that will be tackled, showing the diversity of the books stored in the library, which also includes children literature books published by the Imagery of Pont-à-Mousson during the second half of the 19th. This book overview, illustrated by a selection of beautiful engravings, will overjoy passionate and beginners alike willing to know more about ancient books, its vocabulary and its methods of restoration.

Should you have any difficulty, please contact Natasha Miclot at +33 3 83 81 10 32 (Monday to Friday) or by email : animations@abbayepremontres.com. Limited number of entries.

//Organization : Former Prémontrés Abbey cultura centre.//