The archives and the library Bibliothèque-Musée de l'Opéra National de Paris

around 1863 charles nuitter had begun cataloging opera s archives, , on 15 may 1866 became official archivist. published several books on history of company. théodore lajarte appointed librarian in 1873 , embarked on systematic organization of opera s scores , instrumental parts. in 1876 first published two-volume inventory of library s holdings covering period 1671 1876.

the library (2012)



entrance exhibition room

the archives , library merged, , in 1881 augmented museum open public. in 1899 nuitter succeeded assistant charles malherbe. @ first opera library-museum attached state secretariat of fine arts (secrétariat d État aux beaux-arts), in 1935 became part of national library , later became part of national library s music department, when created in 1942.

the rooms of library provide comfortable environment work , study, , staff knowledgeable , helpful. of library little changed original appearance in 19th century. access library may difficult @ times (the entrance through main foyer of opera house), , advisable call ahead confirm hours when open.

nowadays, library conserves around 600,000 documents related history of opéra , opéra-comique, including 100,000 books, 250,000 autograph letters, 16,000 scores, 30,000 libretti, 100,000 photographs, , 30,000 prints.