The municipal libraries of Versailles present their well-known or little-known treasures, from the cuneiform tablet to masterpieces of contemporary binding. These include unique manuscripts, such as a «little secret book» written by Mme de Maintenon, extremely rare editions, such as the original edition of Don Quixote, sumptuous bindings, and works of exceptional origin, like Charles Collé’s copy of Henri IV’s La partie de chasse, probably the first book related to Marie-Antoinette’s weapons. The graphic arts are also in the spotlight, including original drawings by Fragonard for the Contes de La Fontaine. Treasures of the youth edition are presented in the trunk filled with American books and letters from schoolchildren sent in 1946 from Connecticut to the Library of the Joyful Hour of Versailles, following a solidarity movement born inAtlantic after World War II. The course ends with famous and precious forgeries, having in themselves an aesthetic or historical value, such as the false manuscripts written in the 19th century by Denis Vrain-Lucas.
Exhibition from 16 September to 16 December (from 1pm to 6pm from Wednesday to Saturday - excluding heritage days)