La Contemporaine wears many hats: it is a library, a museum, and an archive center all rolled into one. Founded in 1918, it is now the only institution in France that collects, preserves, and disseminates data on European history during the 20th and 21st centuries. Reading rooms are open to the public, and visitors can enjoy free temporary exhibitions, which are updated regularly. At the same time, a rich program of events is planned in connection with the exhibitions, including film screenings and discussions, hands-on workshops, round tables, and meetings with professionals and experts.

And its history is as rich as its collections! In 1914, a Parisian industrialist couple, Louise and Henri Leblanc, acquired the building and set themselves the task of collecting documentation and sources on the Great War. Their goal was to understand and preserve traces of this historic event. Three years later, they donated the building and the fruits of their research (22,000 items) to the State. Over the years, the place has evolved and changed its name to become “La Contemporaine” as we know it today.