Can you visit the National Academy of Medicine, the landmark institution in Paris's 6th arrondissement?

Based on Rue Bonaparte since the early 20th century, the National Academy of Medicine has been advising public authorities on major health issues for more than two centuries. It houses a spectacular meeting hall, a patrimonial library, and extensive collections that are rarely visible to the general public.

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the National Academy of Medicine is a Parisian institution that, for almost two centuries, has brought together doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, veterinarians and researchers to advise public authorities on the major questions of santé.

While its opinions are regularly cited in healthcare debates, its headquarters, located at 16 Rue Bonaparte, also houses a little-known architectural and scientific heritage.

An institution established under Louis XVIII

The National Academy of Medicine was founded in 1820 by a royal decree of King Louis XVIII, at the initiative of physician Antoine Portal. It succeeded the Royal Society of Medicine and the Royal Academy of Surgery, from which it inherited part of their missions and collections. From its inception, it has been tasked with answering the government’s questions on epidemics, diseases, new treatments, vaccines, and even forensic medicine.

For more than two centuries, the Academy has published reports and recommendations on the major public health issues. While it does not make policy decisions, its opinions carry weight and regularly fuel debates on infectious diseases, prevention, medical advances, and therapeutic innovations. The Academy's members also gather every Tuesday in public sessions to discuss these topics.

Peut-on visiter l'Académie nationale de Médecine, l'institution du 6e arrondissement de Paris ? — KoS

A building designed for science

The Academy has occupied its current seat since 1902. The building is the work of Justin Rochet, the architect for the Assistance publique, who envisioned a structure specifically designed to house the institution’s work. Inside, the meeting room is the most impressive space. It still hosts the academicians’ weekly meetings and features a monumental decor made up of woodwork, sculptures, portraits and busts of great figures in French medicine. Several paintings also trace the history of medical sciences and the discoveries that have shaped their evolution.

The building's other treasure is its library, specializing in the history of medicine. It houses nearly a half-million documents including manuscripts, works dating from the 15th century to today, prints, vintage radiographs, archives, and several exceptional fonds devoted to the public health. Some items go back to the dawn of printing and testify to centuries of evolving medical knowledge!

A memory of French medicine

Over the course of its history, the National Academy of Medicine has stood alongside France's major medical breakthroughs. Vaccination, public hygiene, the fight against epidemics, health security and preventive medicine: its work mirrors the evolving concerns of each era. Its heritage collections also tell this story.

Visitors can notably discover old medical treatises, richly illustrated volumes, the anatomical engravings, the scientific instruments, as well as portraits of doctors who helped shape their field. This scientific memory today makes the Academy one of France's leading centers dedicated to the history of medicine.

Can you visit the National Academy of Medicine?

Yes, but opportunities remain limited. Tuesday afternoon sessions are public, and the audience can attend the debates from the balcony of the chamber, provided they register in advance and present an identity document at the entrance. The building also opens its doors during the European Heritage Days.

Scholars offer guided tours there, giving visitors a look at the chamber where sessions are held, the artworks, the library, and a selection of heritage documents normally kept in the archives. Outside these appointments, only the library remains accessible to researchers and to anyone with a research project, provided they obtain prior authorization.

These Paris spots people think are closed… but you can actually visit them (and here’s how).
Discover these iconic Parisian sites that many assume are off-limits to the public, reserved for institutions or officials, yet they actually open their doors to visitors. The Élysée Palace, the Hôtel de Matignon, the Senate, religious monuments… Here’s when and how to visit. [Read more]

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.