For the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), science enthusiasts are invited to the Ecole des Mines Paris - PSL, in the 6th arrondissement, to discover the school and its Mineralogy Museum on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Located in the heart of theHôtel de Vendôme, a stone's throw from the Jardins du Luxembourg, one of France's top engineering schools is waiting to reveal its secrets.
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter for over 200 years, the school also offers its students and faculty an idyllic setting in which to study and work! The grand staircase leading to the Musée de Minéralogie, with its mineral decor, is home to Claude Hugard de la Tour 's 1855 paintings depicting the "spectacle of nature"; andAlexandre Denis Abel de Pujol's frescoes, allegories of knowledge, science and industry. In the form of a winged young woman draped in antique style, Science crowns the assembly of scientists"who have distinguished themselves in geology and mineralogy".
A great opportunity to discover this beautiful place and learn all about mineralogy. We'll also be taking the opportunity to discover the Bibliothèque de l'École des Mines, theHôtel de Vendôme and the library of the École des Mines. Shall we go, friends?
On the occasion of the 2025 European Heritage Days, Mines Paris - PSL is opening the doors of its historic building, the Hôtel de Vendôme, a jewel of the early 18th century. The tour will enable visitors to discover an exceptional heritage: its library, mineralogy museum and garden, as well as the school's current major orientations.
This 2025 edition is free of charge. Ranked as one of France's oldest engineering schools, Mines Paris - PSL combines historical heritage with cutting-edge scientific research, making its history part of a living heritage: science at the service of society.
Please note: due to the building's historic configuration, the tour is unfortunately not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Cutting-edge research to meet today's challenges
Visitors will discover how the École's heritage resonates with today's major scientific challenges: ecological transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, mineral resources, health... Double-impact research, nurtured by constant dialogue between science and industry.
Throughout the tour, mediation panels will highlight the contemporary challenges to which Mines Paris - PSL is responding. The School's scientific excellence is thus anchored in the continuity of its history, at the very heart of the Hôtel de Vendôme heritage site.
The Hôtel de Vendôme
Since 1815, the École has been housed in the Hôtel de Vendôme, which dates back to the very early 18th century and was enlarged in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in 1783 by Louis XVI on the advice of Balthazar Sage, a French chemist and mineralogist, the school responded to the growing needs of the mining industry, a strategic sector for France. Faithful to this heritage of science at the service of society, Mines Paris - PSL has been able to adapt and today trains students to meet today's major challenges. The school's heritage building reflects this evolution.
The library
With its glass roof and listed woodwork, the library is one of the École's hidden gems. In addition to preserving rare books, it boasts an immense digital database. Today, it is a veritable aggregator of knowledge from training and research, guaranteeing the traceability and independence of the scientific knowledge produced by the École.
The Museum of Mineralogy
For over 200 years, the museum's mineralogical collections have been among the most comprehensive and spectacular in the world. They include some 100,000 samples, 4,000 of which are on display: minerals, rocks, meteorites, precious stones - including gems from the French Crown Jewels - are exhibited in a gallery of priceless historical and patrimonial interest. Anchored in today's world, the museum raises awareness of the issues surrounding rare earths and the management of mineral resources.
The École garden
Usually closed to the public, this haven of greenery, situated in a privileged location in the heart of the VIth arrondissement and offering a view of the rear façade and terrace of the building, as well as a glimpse of the Luxembourg Gardens and the Senate greenhouses, will be accessible for a contemplative break in this historic site.
JEP in our PSL University
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PSL University is taking part in the European Heritage Days. On September 20 and 21, 2025, free or guided tours, games, historical experiments, lectures and workshops await you within the walls of these exceptional buildings, rarely open to the public.
PSL establishments
PSL University is made up of schools and institutes dedicated to cutting-edge research and creation, as well as to artistic emulation and creativity. These century-old establishments, along with their museums and libraries, are home to treasures that are sometimes little-known to the public. This year, as part of the YPP, push open the doors of PSL to discover the stories, scientific instruments, paintings, statues, drawings, photographs, glass plates, furniture, decorations and manuscripts that await you!
PSL Quiz trail
During the JEP, go in search of the secrets of the University's buildings by playing the Quizz PSL course: will you be able to recognize the historical figures depicted on this façade, or find the origin of those strange marks on the floor? Find the QR codes hidden around the buildings, scan them, observe your surroundings and answer the questions!
**Schedule of open University establishments**
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2025
Location
Museum of Mineralogy Mines Paris - PSL
60, boulevard Saint Michel
75006 Paris 6
Prices
Free
Official website
www.minesparis.psl.eu
More information
Mask and sanitary pass mandatory
