As part of this year’s European Heritage Days, the European Parliament will once again open its doors to the public, on 17 & 18 September 2022! This year, on occasion of its 70th anniversary, the European Parliament welcomes the prestigious bi-annual literature and culture festival “Bibliothèques idéales”.

As part of this year’s European Heritage Days, the European Parliament will once again open its doors to the public, on 17 and 18 September 2022! This year, on occasion of its 70th anniversary, the European Parliament welcomes the prestigious bi-annual literature and culture festival “Bibliothèques idéales”.

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself into European culture; join debates, lectures, workshops with writers, booksellers and publishers and meet renowned authors, such as Emmanuel Carrère, Delphine Horvilleur, Yasmina Khadra... while discovering the heart of European democracy, which represents 477 million people from the European continent and plays an essential role in the EU’s decision-making process.

Take part in a visit to the Hemicycle where important debates and historic votes have been held, and see how the site has changed over time. Visitors are invited to learn about how Parliament works by picking up one of the multimedia guides, which are available in the 24 official languages of the EU. (Re)Visit the immersive and interactive Parlamentarium Simone Veil to gain an insight into how EU legislation is drawn up and adopted and the role of MEPs.

Parliament will offer an additional programme to visitors during the European Heritage Days in the “Agora” of the main building: visitors will be able to watch a presentation on the institutional heritage incorporating videos about the history and the architecture of the European Parliament in Strasbourg as well as music from all over Europe.

Heads of state from EU countries and beyond, such as Canada's 23rd Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis have already walked the corridors of the European Parliament. You too can follow in their footsteps and explore this unique institution during the European Heritage Days, while enjoying European literature thanks to the “Bibliothèques idéales” festival!