VISITE GUIDÉE - BIBLIOTHÈQUE DE L'ABBAYE DES PRÉMONTRÉS

Tucked away on the second floor of the Abbaye des Prémontrés is the Grandpierre library, with its shelves full of treasures. Created and set up in 1975 by the Association des Amis des Prémontrés, the collection pays tribute to the Abbey?s former library, destroyed in 1944. During this one-hour tour, an interpreter will first describe the famous library built in the 18th century, under the direction of architect Nicolas Pierson. Renowned for its decor and priceless collection, the library has been through no less than two fires, the last of which sealed its fate and that of most of its books. You will then be taken to the Grandpierre library, which is exceptionally accessible on this occasion. Here, the shelves of antique books will delight you, allowing you to plunge into the heart of the 17th and 18th centuries to discover the personalities and works that made Mussipont publishing famous, including the printer and engraver Jean Appier dit Hanzelet (1596-1647). The visit sheds light on the history of the city of Pont-à-Mousson, and provides an opportunity to go back to the origins of the Université de Lorraine, which celebrates the 450th anniversary of its foundation this year, and whose Abbey was a long-time neighbor. History, literature, law and science will be covered, demonstrating the diversity of the books kept in this library, which also includes works of children?s literature published by the Imagerie de Pont-à-Mousson in the second half of the 19th century. Illustrated with a selection of sublime engravings, this book-length tour will delight enthusiasts and the simply curious who want to know more about old books, their vocabulary and restoration methods.