Discovering Oriental languages in a new light... That’s what the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales offers in Paris, on the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, which will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026.
The Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales, or Inalco, was founded in 1795. Its main mission is to preserve Oriental languages and civilizations while continuing to teach them. Commissioned by the Marquis de Bacqueville in 1716, the building has been renovated and enlarged several times, and today still houses the Maison de la recherche de l'Inalco.
Formerly known as the École spéciale des langues orientales, the institution's mission is to teach living oriental languages. At the beginning of the 19th century, around ten languages were taught here, compared with around a hundred today. For the Journées du Patrimoine, you are invited to discover the premises through a special program. It's an opportunity to learn all about Oriental languages, from Russian to Oceanic, including Vietnamese, Burmese, Japanese and Mongolian, as well as their civilizations. Shall we go, friends?
Self-guided tour of INALCO's historic site
For more than two centuries, France has housed a unique institution, open to all, dedicated to learning the languages and civilizations of the five continents. The Ecole spéciale des langues orientales, today known as the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco), was founded in 1795. Back then it was a new kind of public, free school focused on teaching living languages of public and commercial utility. In the early 19th century about a dozen languages were taught; today the number approaches one hundred.
The theme "Heritage under Threat: Reignite, Resist, Reimagine" for this 43rd European Heritage Days resonates with the former townhouse built in 1716. After housing several successive tenants, the Hôtel de Bernage was assigned to the School of Oriental Languages in 1873, which adapted it to its new functions. Architect Louis Faure-Dujarric paid meticulous attention to the interior decoration, enriching it with numerous Orientalist references.
Visitors will be able to discover this very distinctive building, rich in patrimonial treasures, and enjoy a self-guided, documentary tour tracing the institution’s unique history of the building renovated in 2019. Several architectural features, including the floor mosaics, the monumental staircase, and the moldings and medallions in the historic salons, have earned the Regional Heritage Interest label from Île-de-France in 2020. The public will notably have the opportunity to consult the volumes of the Description of Egypt housed at Inalco, a monumental work stemming from Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign.
Inalco, also known as "Langues O’," today offers a singular expertise in languages and societies drawn from long-standing experience. No other institution or country provides such diversity of courses, openness, and depth of knowledge. The institution is a key player in promoting and safeguarding the world’s languages and civilizations.
Alongside the tours, one of Inalco’s student associations will host an Arabic calligraphy workshop. A Speed Searching session—brief presentations of research topics for the general public—will be led by several doctoral candidates.
The Inalco Research House will be open to the public on Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entries at 5:30 p.m.). Admission is free and open to all.
Participation conditions : Free admission, subject to strong turnout. - Free | No reservation
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Calligraphy workshop hosted by an Inalco student association
The student association Assila invites you to explore the rich world of writing through a calligraphy workshop. The session will showcase the art of Arabic calligraphy, a living heritage steeped in meaning and tradition. It offers a glimpse into the linguistic and cultural wealth taught at Inalco!
Free workshop, no registration required—space is limited.
Participation conditions: Free of charge, no reservation required. Last admissions at 17:30. - Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Speed searching — Meeting INALCO's PhD students
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, a group of Inalco PhD students trained within the Experimentarium program invites you to discover research in a new light. These short, interactive sessions are as much an opportunity to grasp the diversity and richness of the work being carried out at Inalco today.
Since January 2025, Inalco has joined the Experimentarium network, a national initiative that introduces doctoral students to science mediation. Born in Burgundy twenty years ago, the program is now thriving. It encourages young researchers to step outside the academic arena, to engage with diverse audiences, and to share their scientific approach in a simple, lively, and interactive way.
Participation conditions: Free, no reservation required. Last entry at 5:30 PM. - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations
2 Rue de Lille
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Access
Metro line 1 station "Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre", line 12 station "Solférino".
Prices
Free
Official website
www.inalco.fr
More information
Open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
