For more than two centuries, France has had a unique institution, open to all, dedicated to learning the languages and civilizations of the five continents. The Special School of Oriental Languages, known today as the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco), was established in 1795. It was at the time a new type of school, public, free, dedicated to the teaching of modern languages of public and commercial utility. At the beginning of the 19th century, a dozen languages were taught, compared to a hundred today.
Built in 1716 and having housed several successive tenants, the Hotel de Bernage was assigned to the School in 1873 which adapted it to its new functions. The architect Louis Faure-Dujarric brought the greatest care to the interior decoration by multiplying the orientalizing references.
Inalco, also known as “Languages O”, today offers a unique expertise in languages and societies from a centuries-old experience. No institution, no country, offers such a diversity of courses, openness and wealth of knowledge. The institution is a key player in the promotion and preservation of the world’s languages and civilizations.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the Inalco Research House will exceptionally open its doors to the public who will be able to discover various heritage treasures and enjoy a free and documented visit retracing the singular history of this establishment renovated in 2019. Several architectural elements including the floor mosaics, the monumental staircase and the mouldings and medallions of the historic salons were awarded the label «Heritage of regional interest» of the Île-de-France Region in 2020.
The Inalco Research House will be open to the public on Saturday 16 September from 1pm to 6pm (last entries at 17:30). Admission is free.
In parallel with the visits, Inalco will offer at 3 pm a short conference on the history of the Rue de Lille building as well as free activities related to the 2023 theme "Heritage of sport" and included in the program of the Cultural Olympiad of Paris 2024:

• Chess workshop and games (recognized as a sport by the IOC in 1999) with the student association Inal'Chess from 1pm to 5:30pmAttention: this workshop is cancelled and replaced by a paper cut workshop and traditional Chinese games with the association Chin'alco (same hours)
• K-pop dance performance by the Arts Bureau (BDE Inalco) at 4:30pm in the inner courtyard