Schoelcher Library
An ornate iron and glass library shown in Paris in 1889, then shipped out and rebuilt here.
Updated 2 September 2026
The Schoelcher Library was designed by Pierre-Henri Picq, built for the Paris exposition of 1889, then dismantled, shipped across the Atlantic and reassembled in Fort-de-France, opening in 1893. It houses the collection Victor Schoelcher, who led the campaign for the abolition of slavery in the French colonies, gave to the island. The building is iron-framed with polychrome tilework, a dome and elaborate ironwork, and reads as nothing else in the city.
What you'll find
- The 1889 structure - the building shown in Paris then shipped out and rebuilt.
- The tilework and dome - the polychrome decoration and ironwork of the exterior.
- The Schoelcher collection - the books given by the abolitionist campaigner.
- The reading room - the interior under the iron and glass roof.
When to go
Year round on library hours, closed Sundays and some afternoons. Mornings are the safest for finding it open. An hour covers it.
Things to know
It is a working library and the reading rooms are for users rather than sightseers. Hours are limited and closures are frequent. The exterior is the main event.
Nearby
La Savane is beside it, and Fort Saint-Louis is on the waterfront.
What to pack for Schoelcher Library
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
