How did the Institut des Civilisations come into being ?
In 1976, when the École Polytechnique moved from the rue du Cardinal-Lemoine, the Collège de France was able to use part of its buildings to house the Claude Lévi-Strauss library and the Byzantine studies library. In the early 1990's, when the Collège de France underwent major renovation work on its main and historic site, the spaces devoted to the various Collège de France libraries had to be reorganized : the Assyriology, Egyptology, Biblical and West Semitic Studies libraries, in particular, which had previously been professors' offices, moved to rue du Cardinal-Lemoine. It soon became clear that these buildings needed to be given a scientific and architectural unity, and so the Institut des Civilisations project was born. Quite naturally, it has been structured into poles according to the geographical zones and historical periods studied.
The renovation work begun in 2016 was an opportunity to create a new architectural and intellectual coherence for the institute. Indeed, it brings together most of the chairs of civilizational studies and anthropology, as well as the adjoining libraries, in a space that fosters interdisciplinarity between all these poles. The aim was to facilitate the circulation of ideas and people. This year, we are witnessing the culmination of this idea.
The new Institut des Civilisations is part of a long tradition of studying civilizations at the Collège de France..
Egyptology and Assyriology were, in a way, born at the Collège de France, which hosted the first chairs in these disciplines.
Within the institute, chairs have been set up for the study of the Near East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and of course anthropology, with the Claude Lévi-Strauss library. One of the strengths of our Institute of Civilizations is that it is not Eurocentric. What's important is our openness to difference. This openness takes place in both space and time. The Institut des Civilisations studies both ancient civilizations, which are our historical roots, and very different contemporary societies.
What is its role within the Collège de France ?
Alongside other laboratories and institutes, the vocation of the Institut des Civilisations is the same as that of the Collège de France : to study and teach the diversity of disciplines, with no commercial interests at stake. It's a place where we can learn about the multiple origins of human societies, and also about current realities. Our aim is to encourage curiosity ! The motto Docet Omnia, " He teaches all ", sums up the freedom of the Collège de France. It's not just freedom of research, it's also the freedom not to have to fulfill a program. The Institut des Civilisations reflects all these principles.
What was the purpose of the architectural renovation of the Institut des Civilisations ?
The renovation was an opportunity to make the link between architecture and the intellectual project: to encourage communication between chairs, libraries, students and professors. After a period marked by strictly digital exchanges, due to the Covid epidemic, the inauguration of the Institut des Civilisations is an opportunity to return to meetings around rich collections and joint research projects. To this end, the entire architectural organization has been designed to encourage these exchanges around libraries, work rooms and convivial areas.
Particular attention has been paid to the reception of the different areas, with a dimension that is both aesthetic and symbolic. Everything has been done to create a space conducive to reflection and research in all its forms. Original objects and casts are on display. For example, in the Ancient Egypt and Near East section, we have casts of the Mesha Stele and the Code of Hammurabi, and soon the Rosetta Stone.
How does the Institut des Civilisations fit in with international research ?
The libraries of the Collège de France have an international reach. Their collections, built up over time, are highly reputed. There is no other place in France, and often internationally, for our disciplines where we can have access to so much : from historical objects to the oldest scientific publications. For example, the Chinese Studies Library attracts many researchers from China, as many ancient texts were lost during the Cultural Revolution. The Institut des Civilisations is well placed to welcome these researchers, as well as advanced students such as doctoral candidates.
Strong links are forged by frequenting the libraries. The idea is to encourage exchanges between professors, their research teams and students. We look forward to welcoming a large number of visitors, who will perpetuate the Collège de France's tradition of openness.
Thomas Römer is Professor of The Hebrew Bible and its Contexts and Administrator of the Collège de France.
Dominique Charpin holds the Mesopotamian Civilization chair and is Director of theInstitut des Civilisations.
