top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Art library lets you ‘borrow’ pictures

Did you know you can ‘borrow’ French art to display at your home or office just as you borrow a book from a library?

The brainchild of writer and politician André Malraux, who was Georges Pompidou’s culture minister, the first so-called artothèque (art library) was founded in 1961 in Le Havre, Normandy and the first permanent dedicated art library appeared seven years later in Grenoble.

Today, there are around 40 public art libraries in towns and cities across the country, while a number of private businesses have also sprung up offering similar services.

It opens up art to more people and some artists have even set up their own smaller operations with others to “stop their work getting dusty in a storeroom” as one phrased it.

Working like a normal book library (bibliothèque), artworks are available for a relatively moderate fee to members of the public as well as businesses, organisations and schools. Works such as paintings and sculptures are available to be displayed in offices, classrooms or homes.

Borrowing two pieces from the Médiathèque François Mitterrand in Poitiers for 60 days will cost from €45 while Artothèque à Montpellier offers two works for €25 a month.

Once the loan period ends borrowers return the works to replace with others.

The website at artotheques-adra.com  has more information and a map of many of the libraries.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France