Inalco will exceptionally open its historic site, the Maison de la recherche, to the public on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This edition focuses on the themes “Photography Heritage” and “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.” The second theme is particularly relevant to this former private mansion, built in 1716, which housed a succession of ministries, government departments, and residents before being assigned to the Ecole spéciale des langues orientales. Discover the history of this truly unique mansion during the JEP!
For more than two centuries, France has had a unique institution, open to all and dedicated to the study of the languages and civilizations of five continents. The École spéciale des langues orientales, now known as the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (Inalco), was founded in 1795. At the time, it was a new kind of school: public, free of charge, and dedicated to teaching modern languages of public and commercial value. At the beginning of the 19th century, around ten languages were taught, compared with about a hundred today. The theme of this 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” resonates with this former private mansion built in 1716. After housing several successive tenants, the hôtel de Bernage was assigned to the École des langues orientales in 1873, which adapted it to its new purpose. Architect Louis Faure-Dujarric took great care with the interior design, incorporating numerous Oriental-inspired references. Visitors will be able to explore this remarkable building and its many heritage treasures through a self-guided, informative tour tracing the unique history of the institution, which was renovated in 2019. Several architectural features, including the floor mosaics, monumental staircase, and the moldings and medallions in the historic reception rooms, received the Région Île-de-France's “Patrimoine d’intérêt régional” label in 2020. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the volumes of the Description de l'Égypte held at Inalco, a monumental work produced following Napoléon's military campaign in Égypte. Inalco, also known as “Langues O’,” now offers unique expertise in languages and societies built on centuries of experience. No other institution or country offers such a diversity of courses, openness, and wealth of knowledge. The institution plays an essential role in promoting and preserving the world's languages and civilizations. Alongside the tours, one of Inalco's student associations will offer an Arabic alphabet calligraphy workshop. Several doctoral students will also host Speed searching—short presentations of research topics for the general public. Calligraphy workshops by an Inalco student association The Assila student association invites you to discover the richness of writing systems through a calligraphy workshop. The workshop will introduce the art of Arabic calligraphy, a true form of living heritage rich in meaning and tradition. It will offer a glimpse into the linguistic and cultural diversity taught at Inalco! Speed searching—Meet Inalco's doctoral students Several Inalco doctoral students trained through the Experimentarium program will invite you to experience research in a new way. These short, interactive encounters offer opportunities to appreciate the diversity and richness of the research being conducted at Inalco today. Since January 2025, Inalco has been part of the Experimentarium network, a national program that introduces doctoral students to science communication. The program was created in Bourgogne twenty years ago and is now expanding rapidly. It encourages young researchers to step outside the academic world, meet a wide variety of audiences, and share their scientific approach in a simple, engaging, and interactive way. Free activities, no registration required, subject to availability.
Admission: Free entry, subject to capacity during busy periods. Last admission at 5:30 p.m.!
Source: paris.fr — photo: Sophie Lloyd