Institut de France

The Institut de France, in Paris

The Institut de France is a majestic building with an emblematic dome, which shelters the five great academies, including the French Academy. The Paris audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this temple of knowledge, on the left bank of the Seine, facing the Louvre.

The dome of the academies and the French Academy

The Institut de France is one of the finest buildings of the left bank of Paris, recognisable by its magnificent dome that is reflected in the Seine, facing the Louvre. This sumptuous building was built in the seventeenth century by the architect Louis Le Vau, on the wishes of Cardinal Mazarin, to shelter a college; it then took its current function. The Institut de France brings together the five great national academies, of which the most famous is the French Academy, founded in the seventeenth century, guardian of the French language, whose members, the famous academicians, are nicknamed the Immortals and wear the green coat. The Institut also keeps a rich library. A symbol of the intellectual and cultural influence of France, this temple of knowledge and language is one of the emblematic monuments of Paris.

What to see

You admire the sumptuous building with a magnificent dome that is reflected in the Seine facing the Louvre, built in the seventeenth century by Louis Le Vau, which shelters the five great academies including the French Academy, guardian of the language, and its Immortals in green coat. The Institut de France is a temple of knowledge of Paris. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Institut de France lies on the left bank of the Seine, facing the Louvre, in the heart of Paris, reachable on foot. You admire its façade and the dome from the quays and the Pont des Arts; the interior access follows its own conditions and hours, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What does the Institut de France shelter in Paris?

The five great national academies, of which the most famous is the French Academy, founded in the seventeenth century, guardian of the French language, whose members are nicknamed the Immortals; the building with the dome was built by Louis Le Vau facing the Louvre.

Where is the Institut de France?

On the left bank of the Seine, facing the Louvre, in the heart of Paris, in France.