The Final Phase of the Relocation of the Palais-Bourbon Library in Paris
In February 2025, Bovis Fine Art had the privilege of participating in the final phase of a landmark project in French heritage: the reinstallation of the ancient and precious works of the Library of the National Assembly, located within the Palais-Bourbon in Paris.
After several months of building restoration, our teams carefully returned each of the 56,778 volumes in this exceptional collection to their original place on the shelves. This operation mobilized the full expertise of our teams in heritage relocation and the handling of valuable works.
A Unique Collection, Witness to the History of France
The books handled span a period from the 16th to the 21st century: rare editions, manuscripts, ancient treatises, as well as modern reference works. All are preserved in a listed historic building, an architectural gem adorned with frescoes by Eugène Delacroix.
Each of these works—though printed—is considered a heritage item, preserved under the strictest museum standards. As such, their transfer and storage were treated with the same level of care as a museum art collection.
From Dusting to Reinstallation: Tailor-Made Expertise
Bovis Fine Art’s mission was part of a fully controlled process, from start to finish:
- Dusting of each book on all six sides, in partnership with Ab Antiquo, a specialist in the conservation of written heritage.
- Precise packaging and item-level tracking using barcodes.
- Storage in climate-controlled vaults at our logistics facilities south of Paris, under optimal preservation conditions.
- And finally, meticulous reinstallation of each book to its exact classification code, including shelves located several meters high in the historic mezzanines of the library.
Our teams used rolling bookcases, an aerial platform, and a mobile scaffold to access higher levels without compromising the integrity of the site, while strictly respecting the historic woodwork and original structures.
Bovis Fine Art Excellence in Service of Cultural Institutions
This project perfectly illustrates Bovis Fine Art’s ability to treat books as true works of art, with the precision, delicacy, and respect each heritage piece deserves.
Our work, carried out in collaboration with the Bovis Transports (91) agency, showcases the effectiveness of our in-house coordination: logistical expertise, delicate handling, preventive conservation, and museum-grade organization come together to deliver outstanding service to the most prestigious institutions.
Working in this emblematic site of the French Republic, in service of the nation’s written heritage, was a true honor for our teams.
