Origins and history of the foundation
The Fondation Dosne-Thiers is a history library situated in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It is housed within the Hôtel Dosne-Thiers, which served as the former residence of Louis-Adolphe Thiers (1797–1877). The institution focuses its research and collections on the history of France from 1789 to 1900.
The foundation was established through the initiative of Félicie Dosne, the sister of Elise Dosne. Following the death of the Thiers family, the property and its contents were bequeathed to the Institut de France in 1905. This bequest ensured the preservation of the site as a dedicated space for historical study and research.
The building and its architecture
The Fondation Dosne-Thiers is housed in the Hôtel Dosne-Thiers, located at 27, place Saint-Georges in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France. The current structure was built between 1873 and 1875 by the architect Alfred-Philibert Aldrophe. This reconstruction followed the destruction of the original mansion during the Paris Commune in 1871. The building occupies a prominent position within the Nouvelle-Athènes district.
The architecture reflects the transition of the site from a private residence to a specialized research institution. The mansion was designed to replace the earlier home of Louis-Adolphe Thiers. Today, the building functions as a history library and a research center. It maintains the character of a Parisian hôtel particulier while providing the necessary space for its extensive collections of books and manuscripts.
The property includes a private garden. This green space forms part of the Square Alex-Biscarre and is open to the public. The garden provides a quiet setting behind a wrought-iron fence, situated at the foot of the mansion. This outdoor area remains a distinct feature of the site's layout.
Major collections and research resources
The foundation functions as a research centre dedicated to history and the political and economic sciences. Its holdings are centered on the history of France from 1789 to 1900. The library contains approximately 150,000 volumes, providing a foundation for specialized academic study. This collection is supplemented by a substantial body of Napoleonic memorabilia.
Beyond printed volumes, the institution maintains a significant archive of visual and written primary sources. The holdings include 30,000 prints and cartoons, alongside 1,000 drawings. Researchers also have access to more than 3,000 manuscripts. These materials support the study of the social, military, and administrative history of the nineteenth century.
Major acquisitions and donations
The foundation's holdings have been shaped by significant acquisitions and legacies that focus on the history of France. In 1912, the institution acquired the H. Houssaye fonds, which contains 4,000 works concerning the First Empire and the Hundred Days. This was followed in 1914 by the acquisition of the Fabry fonds, comprising 1,400 volumes dedicated to military history after the First Empire. In 1917, the collection grew further with the acquisition of the Jules Claretie fonds, which includes 6,000 volumes.
A major addition occurred in 1923 when Frédéric Masson bequeathed a substantial collection to the foundation. This bequest included 70,000 printed volumes and 796 manuscript cartons. These materials contribute to the specialized focus of the library on the nineteenth century and the political and social history of France.
