The Art deco study and heritage Library of Toulouse.
- Franck BRUGUIERE
- May 20
- 4 min read
Introduction :
This Art Deco building remarkable.
As you know, I love everything from that area .
When I was a law student, I used to go and study in this magnificent place.
What if we went together to explore it ?
A little history :
It came into being because, during the interwar period, France and therefore Toulouse, was very behind in building libraries.
The one in Toulouse, which was municipal and dated from the 18th. century, was located in the current " Pierre de Fermat " College.
It is one of the most beautiful Art Deco building in the city !!!.
It was built in 1932 by " François Galabert " , the chief architect .
It was inaugurated in 1935.
The history of the building :
The architect " François Galabert " was inspired by two libraries to deliver this architectural masterpiece !!! .
The one in Paris, the " Sainte-Geneviève Library, and the one in Reims, the art Deco-style Carnegie Library ".
The façade features a very geometric style, characteristic of Art Deco architecture.
Notably, the windows with their orthogonal patterns typical of tis architectural style stand out.
However, the use of concrete and the choice of a flat roof are modern decision.
This splendid palace of ideas dedicated to reading has been listed as a historical monument since December 7, 1994.
The Art Deco building :
Exterior decor :
The layout of the building is functional.
Indeed is a space for internal services, one for the public, and one for the preservation of the collections.
A design competition took place for the building's decoration between the architect and the decorator.
Ultimately, " Montoriol " prevailed, and the library offers us truly remarkable decor.
The decor evokes books, reading, study, the arts and sciences.
On one of the frescoes and the frieze, there is a truly magnificent representation of Apollo.
Many decors signed by " Georges Virebent " can be seen, notably featuring representations of the city's ornaments.
The bronze door is truly remarkable and monumental, and it is the work of the decorator " Montoriol " .
There are also numerous sculpted friezes, which represent all the ages of humanity.
They stretch over about sixty meters in length and meters in height.
Finally, the presence of " ", signed by " Henri Parayre ", a Toulouse architect, is noticeable.
One can admire a truly remarkable mosaic floor, a testament to the Art Deco style.
Interior Decor :
The Hall :
It has majestic proportions.
The floor is adorned with mosaic tiling. In the second hall, the stained glass window titled " The Education of Children " was cerated by " André Rapp ", a master glassmaker.
It features the city's coat of arms, with the " Saint-Sernin " basilica in the background.
In this same hall, there is also a painting by " Edouard Bouillère " .
It depicts a remarkable landscaper titled " The joy of reading " .
It shows a woman reading, surrounded her children !!! .
The main reading room :
It is the room not to be missed in this splendid library.
Its dimensions are remarkable.
It spans over one thousand square meters !!! .
The wall is 1à meters high and covered with marble panels.
The start feature of the room is the doom which stands 14 meters high.
It is made of concrete with colored glass forming a rose window pattern.
The light is very important in this library.
That's why there are two large skylights in the ceiling, six wide side windows, and fifteen smaller ones.
The later is placed under the protection of Apollon the Greek god of the light.
He is depicted in a fresco with his lyre.
There are also cooper laurel wreaths, symbols of excellence !!! .
The furniture and flooring are contemporary.
The fresco " La Parnasse occitan " :
It is the work of the artist " Marc Saint-Sains ", who made numerous trips to Italy to learn the techniques needed to create his pieces.
it consists of three frescoes.
In the center, seven poets are depicted, along with Apollo and the Toulouse born poet "Pierre Frayssinet " .
The left panel depicts the nine muses, patrons of song and science.
The right panel is dedicated to southern artists.
The collections :
This remarkable Art Deco palace houses 150 000 rare and precious books.
AN additional 250 000 books from 1900 onwards and 6 000 newspapers from the reading room are included.
Indeed, in the regional room, there are 60 000 books, newspapers, and magazines.
Hello my friends, that's all for today.
If you ever visit Toulouse, I believe there's no hesitation possible.
This Art Deco style library is worth a visit !!! .
You won't be disappointed !!! .
Welcome in Toulouse.
The blog from Toulouse.
Greetings, Franck.
Adress : 1, rue du Périgord 3100 Toulouse.
BONUS PHOTOS OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY :
BONUS PHOTOS INSIDE THE LIBRARY :
BONUS VIDEOS :
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