Depliant Histoire et mission_2705_ENG_web

a place for dialogue
open to all
COURSES
EXHiBITIONS
CONFERENCES
DEBATES
CONCERTS
research
RESTAURANT
bookshop
« In a true spirit of dialogue, we
grow in our ability to grasp the significance
of what others say and do, even if we do not
take it as our own conviction. In this way it
becomes possible to be frank and open about
our beliefs, while continuing to discuss, to
seek points of contact, and above all to work
and struggle together. Public discussion, if
it truly makes space for everyone and does
not manipulate or conceal information, is a
constant stimulus to a better understanding of
the truth, or at least is more effective expression.
It keeps different sectors from becoming
complacent and self-centred in their outlook
and their limited concerns. Let us not forget
that differences are creative, they create
tension and that is it in resolving tensions that
humanity is able to progress.»
Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti,
Chapter six « Dialogue and Friendship in Society », §203, October 2020

the mission
of the collège des bernardins
A place for dialogue
Rooted in its rich history, the Collège des Bernardins is loyal to its original vocation by becoming a
place for dialogue with society, where faith and reason meet to shed light on contemporary challenges.
Politicians, intellectuals, scientists and artists come to the Collège des Bernardins to exchange
ideas, exhibit and debate in public.
A place for learning
The Collège des Bernardins is a unique place to study, whether on site or remotely, for a degree
or simply out of curiosity in many fields : theology, philosophy, Sacred texts, Judaism, humanities,
art history and literature. Since 2008, the Collège also has had a multi-disciplinary research center,
working on the complex issues of our time to the highest scientific standards.
A place open to all
Exhibitions, guided tours, workshops for children and teenagers, lectures, online debates... the
Collège des Bernardins is open to all, and brings together a variety of audiences, online or under
its thousand-year-old vaults. In the 13 th century nave, the “Table des Bernardins” restaurant and La
Procure bookshop welcome students, visitors and spectators.

1 - nave
The nave is one of the largest in Europe,
measuring 70 metres long, 14 metres wide, and
around six metres in height.
Previously the monks’ living quarters, this
exceptional space comprises the areas that
would have originally housed the study rooms,
refectory, chapter house, and kitchens.
A 14 th century statue of Christ overlooks the
nave. The Christ in Majesty is wearing a crown
of thorns: a little-seen theme in the mediaeval
statues of Paris. The statue was discovered
during the building’s foundation excavations.
2 - old sacristy
The old sacristy is in the Prerayonnant Gothic
style and was completed in 1360. It is 12.5
metres long and 11 metres both wide and high.
The presence in the sacristy of the tombstone of
Günter, a German monk from Thuringe who died
in 1306, demonstrates the standing held by the
Collège in 14 th century Europe.
4 - small Auditorium
The rose window at the north gable end dates
from the original 13 th century Collège des
Bernardins. It features a five-pointed star
set within a pentagon. The symbolism of the
Pythagorean number five is unique in Cistercian
iconography.
An exact replica was created on the south
gable end during the most recent works at the
college which were completed in 2008.
5 - large Auditorium
Four large oak tie beams dating from 1150 and
the original roof have been conserved in the large
auditorium. The roof and floor form an equilateral
triangle whose sides measure 15 metres each.
5
4
1 2
3
3 - xVIII th century areas
The original building was rebuilt in the 18 th
century. A freestanding spiral staircase houses a
mysterious headless statue from the beginnings
of the 15 th century.
Today the prior’s accommodation is used as a
training and meeting room.

an inspiring
heritage
1248
At a time when Paris was experiencing an
intellectual, political, and economic boom,
Étienne de Lexington, the Abbot of Clairvaux,
founded the Collège des Bernardins to offer
Cistercian monks the opportunity to live and
study in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
The reputation of the Collège quickly
established itself as it welcomed monks from all
over Europe for more than 500 years, becoming
an important centre of western thinking.
1887
The Collège des Bernardins was officially
classified as a historic monument.
1791
The Collège became a national asset during
the French Revolution. The adjoining church
was largely demolished with the construction of
the Rue de Pontoise (1810), and the Boulevard
Saint-Germain (1859).
Owned by the city of Paris, the main building
would serve as a prison, storage facility,
school, and fire station between
1845 and 1995.
2001
Under the instigation of Cardinal Jean-Marie
Lustiger, the Archdiocese of Paris bought the
college back from the city of Paris in 2001. Major
works began in 2003 : 322 micropiles along
25 metres were bored to stabilise the building
underground.
2008
After a complete renovation led by Hervé
Baptiste, chief architect of historic monuments,
and Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the Collège des
Bernardins reconnected with its original
vocation to become a place for research and
debate between the Church and society. For
the first time in its history, it was open to all.
On 12 September, Pope Benedict XVI brought
the cultural world in to question during a
discourse on the need for dialogue between
faith and reason.

LA TABLE DES BERNARDINS
HAVE A COFFEE OR A LUNCH BREAK IN THE NAVE
FROM 10 AM - 5 PM DURING OPENING DAYS
20 rue de poissy
75005 Paris
monday - saturday
from 10 am to 6 pm
closed on sunday & holidays
guided tours on wednesdays, fridays and saturdays at
4 PM except during school holidays
la procure bookshop
Mondays and fridays : 10:30 am - 2:30 pm and
3:30 am - 6:00 pm
tuesdays, wednesdays and thursdays : 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
follow us
for further information :
+33 (1) 53 10 74 44
contact@collegedesbernardins.fr
Photo credits : Jean-Matthieu Gautier,
Vinciane Lebrun, Eléonore Bichot