Schœlcher Library
Bibliothèque Schœlcher
Historic public library and national monument featuring a distinctive metal-frame construction and a Byzantine dome. Originally built for the 1889 World Exposition in Paris, the structure was later dismantled and transported to its current site. Read more…
Opening hours
| Monday | 1:00 PM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
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Designed by architect Pierre-Henri Picq between 1886 and 1887, the building is a classified national monument characterized by its unique metal-frame construction. Its architectural style is an eclectic blend of Byzantine, Art Nouveau, and Egyptian influences, topped with a prominent, colorful dome and featuring an ornate interior.
The structure was originally erected in Paris for the 1889 World Exposition. Following the event, the library was dismantled and shipped to the island. It has been recognized as a historical monument since 1993 and remains a notable cultural landmark.
The facility serves as a working public library housing a significant collection of historical documents, manuscripts, and musical scores. Much of the original collection was donated by Victor Schœlcher, the abolitionist for whom the institution is named. The archives include a vast selection of old West Indian books and materials related to the abolitionist movement.
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