Celebrations

Fireworks and illuminations at Place Louis XV to commemorate peace and the dedication of the statue of the King on horseback, 1763

The Richelieu Library (Site Richelieu) holds materials on public and private French and foreign official ceremonies and celebrations from the 16th century to the 1930s: royal entrances, princely weddings, court ballets, receptions for Heads of State, fireworks, funerals, etc. It also holds materials on popular festivals, dances, and carnivals, as well as on sporting festivals (including the Olympic Games), universal exhibitions, and amusement parks.

These collections mainly consist of prints, posters, and photographs, together with manuscripts, books, programs, and books of press cuttings.

Among other noteworthy pieces, they include Charles Perrault’s book published in 1670: Courses de testes et de bagues faites par le roy et par les princes et seigneurs en l’année 1662.

Also available for consultation at the Opera Library are collections of prints and engravings representing official celebrations during the 18th century, and 19th century popular Parisian dances