About right now, doesn't that above picture look great? This was taken off the boat that took us to the island of Martinque back in the late summer/ early fall on our trip. I still have pictures from the trip that just got organized. We spent a good day on Martinque and in the heart of Fort-de-France. The one cool thing I enjoyed was the Scholecher Library. This wasn't your average collection of books.
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I love a memorable architectural building and good history. A memorable place this was. With its colorful facade and eclectic mix of styles- Eiffel-inspired metalwork, Art Nouveau flourishes, and Egyptian- Byzantine elements- it never fails to draw the eye of passersby I would think. The place was built by Pierre-Henri Pieq in Paris in 1887, before it was shipped, yes, shipped piece by piece by boat from the French capital in 1893. One can visit with or without a guide. Step inside and look up to appreciate its grand dome before discovering over 10,000 books bequeathed by Victor Schoeleher, the French politician famed for his pivotal role in the abolition of slavery. The ornate ceiling, vivid stained-glass windows and row upon row of literary treasures create a unique atmosphere spanning past and present. Inside, it's an active library, where I found a couple books about the history of slavery in the Caribbean and it's eventual abolition. Just minutes away from there at what was the former courthouse is a statue of Victor Schoelecher. I think the library is a standout in style and severs a great community service there.
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The building is stunning, inside and out. And what a legacy Scholecher left behind.
ReplyDeleteWhen we passed it, I was intrigued, by it. Even more so when we found out about it's history and Scholecher himself.
DeleteWow! A veritable cathedral to books, reading, and learning!
ReplyDeleteNot the biggest library, but what a memorable one. Such a unique place.
DeleteI love a gorgeous library, and that is one of the gorgeousest (I invented gorgeousest. Don't try inventing words at home). What a great place!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Since your good with spelling and word usage, I'll trust your judgment, Janie.
DeleteI'm honored.
DeleteMagnifique! Jx
ReplyDeleteI'd like to go there.
ReplyDeleteNot a lot to do and see, as both Martinque and Barbados could both could be seen in two days in their entirety, but glad I got to go as they were on the bucket list. Great places to go to just kick back, relax on the beaches, with just enough to see and learn about these areas. And of course the Mount Gay Distillery is a must.
DeleteOne of the most beautiful buildings in Fort de France with its metal architecture. Beautiful facade, exceptional in its design. How great it was given to the island , and all those books donated. Your opening picture from the boat does make me wish I was somewhere on vacation right now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful museum and library. If memory serves, I enjoyed in your post to find that the very interesting library as it was built for the collection of abolitionist Victor Schoelcher. I like that he wanted to give access to his collection to all the people of Martinique. Some research revealed that really old books as well as current art exhibits are located there. Loved the architecture you got in your pictures, and I read that place has stunning tile flooring? What a great place to just go in, find a corner and read.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous piece of architecture; I could get lost in there!
ReplyDeleteI would have to go back every three weeks to return the books I checked out, a burden, but necessary.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, except for that horrific spiral staircase. I hate those suckers.
ReplyDeleteThey were still there but not in use anymore to get upstairs.
DeleteWow...that place is fantastic! I could spend months in there not just enjoying the interior architecture but browsing and reading the books --- provided they're in English, of course. LOL
ReplyDeleteNow that is a library!
ReplyDeleteSo many books, not enough time to read them. Next time visit the Bodleian -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodleian_Library
ReplyDeleteBelles photos. :)
ReplyDeleteLa Martinique est ma destination préférée pour une vacances rapide.
Beaucoup de gens ignorent l’existence de la bibliothèque Schœlcher et son héritage.
-Beau Mec à Deauville
OMG fab photos!
ReplyDeleteJust what I needed today. It's 25F and it's been snowing on and off. I love the architectural details. What a library! And I want that staircase. Really
XOXO
This is the opposite to the architectural mantra of 'Form follows Function' and I love it because of that.
ReplyDeleteThere can never be to much beauty in the world and that is beautiful.
What a beautiful and ornate building. It almost doesn't look real - kind of like a cross between a gingerbread house and Lego architecture.
ReplyDelete