by Redazione 10/11/2026
Categories: News / Disclaimer
Chantilly Castle in France has received a private donation of 6 million euros to restore the Cabinet des livres, which houses 13,000 rare volumes and manuscripts, including the famous *Très Riches Heures* of the Duke of Berry. Work will begin in 2028.
A private patron, whose identity has not been disclosed, has donated 6 million euros to the Château de Chantilly in France to fully fund the architectural restoration of its *Cabinet des livres* (Book Cabinet), one of the world’s most important libraries. The donation, intended to cover the entire cost of the project, will make it possible to launch a conservation initiative to safeguard a particularly significant collection of books, which includes approximately 13,000 volumes, manuscripts, and rare works. Among the treasures preserved in the library is the manuscript of the *Très Riches Heures* of the Duke of Berry, considered one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of medieval miniature painting .
The news was announced by the Château de Chantilly, owned by the Institut de France. Last January, during the presentation of its activities for the new year, the institution had sounded the alarm about the library’s condition and announced its intention to launch a fundraising campaign in April. The initiative proved unnecessary: a single donor, committed to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage, has decided to provide the entire amount needed for the project.
The restoration program, with a total value of 6 million euros, will therefore be funded entirely through private philanthropy. The year 2026 will be dedicated to cataloging the collections, a preliminary phase essential for organizing the restoration project. In 2027, preparatory studies will be conducted, while work is scheduled to begin in 2028. The project is expected to be completed in 2030, after two years of work, and will cover approximately 400 linear meters of collections.
The need for this intervention stems from the progressive deterioration of the library’s environmental and structural conditions. The passage of time, the steady increase in visitor numbers, and a building ill-suited to changing climatic conditions have all contributed to compromising the preservation of the spaces and the works. In particular, fluctuations in humidity levels, the absence of air filtration systems, inappropriate lighting, and obsolete electrical systems pose risks to both the books and the historic decorations of the space.
The project therefore aims to address the building’s architecture and systems, while also upgrading the security and protection measures for the collections. The restored Cabinet des livres should also allow for broader public access and the development of new cultural outreach activities, with a particular focus on younger visitors. The goal is to reconcile the preservation of a heritage of exceptional value with greater opportunities for access and understanding, particularly in anticipation of the future Condé Museum.
Designed by architect Honoré Daumet in 1875–1876, the Cabinet des livres is a significant example of a 19th-century modern library set within a Renaissance architectural context. It is located within the Château de Chantilly, which has been open to the public since 1897 and has since attracted visitors from around the world. The collection was assembled by the Duke of Aumale, the castle’s last owner and one of the most important bibliophiles of his time. The Cabinet des livres also hosts three temporary exhibitions each year, showcasing the richness and variety of its collections. The completion of the restoration is expected to further expand exhibition possibilities and public outreach initiatives.
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| In France, an anonymous donor contributed 6 million euros to save the library at the Château de Chantilly |
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