The night train from Paris to the northeastern city of Reims rumbles past vineyards and quaint villages, a slow-moving chiaroscuro against the pastoral innocence of France’s Champagne region. The journey culminates in Reims, a town known for its gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame where French Kings were once crowned, and for some of the world’s best champagne houses. But unbeknownst to many, Reims is also home to an architectural and cultural gem that frequently escapes the standard travel brochure—the Carnegie Library, or Bibliothèque Carnegie.
Nestled amidst neoclassical buildings and cobbled streets, the Bibliothèque Carnegie captivates its visitors with the solemn beauty of its facade. Time seems to pause as the surreal fusion of the library’s classical Greek architecture, bespoke Art Deco aesthetics, and enchanting hints of the Renaissance encircle one’s senses. Intricate mosaics, large stained glass windows and bejeweled frescos, all products of the roaring 20s, shimmer in radiant hues, recounting tales from the pages of human history and knowledge.
Travelers may alight at the Reims central station, a short walk away from the library. Intercity trains connect Reims with Paris, taking about 45 minutes on a high-speed train or closer to two hours on a regional train— service runs frequently with ample choices to suit myriad schedules. Once in Reims, the Bibliothèque Carnegie must be included in the visitor’s itinerary, something to be visited at least once, if not more, during one’s stay.
The library’s exterior is stunning, but the interior epitomizes the quintessence of French artistry. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a grand marble staircase, leading to a plush reading room adorned with oakwood shelves housing a plethora of books. To the right is a study room, its silence broken only by the whispers of eager learners and the occasional rustle of pages turning. The entire space, designed in Byzantine and Romanesque styles, resonates with an understated opulence reminiscent of an era gone by.
Thanks to a generous gift from Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist and lover of literature, the library was completed in 1928. It was a gesture to mark the bonds between the US and France after World War I. Today, the Carnegie Library stands as a physical testament to cultural diplomacy, its beauty matched only by its intellectual treasures.
For those seeking an immersive experience, guided tours shed light on the building’s rich history, elaborate architecture and remarkable collections. Further enhancing the cultural immersion, local librarians often organize literary evenings, featuring readings and discussions. Such events present a chance to interact with the city’s intellectual community—adding a vibrant dimension to the visit while cementing the bond between book lovers across the globe.
The essence of travelling is not merely in seeing new places but learning about history, cultures and people. Exploring the serene surroundings of the Bibliothèque Carnegie offers just such an experience, marrying the pleasure of travel with the joy of discovering enlightening bourbons of culture and literature. As the day retires and the library’s ornate lamps begin to glow, one can’t help but be enveloped by an ineffable sense of the magic that resides within its walls.
So, as the world opens up and wanderlust calls once again, consider an escape to the enchanting city of Reims. Meander through its vineyard-clad valleys, savor its world-class champagne, and let the luminous allure of the Bibliothèque Carnegie introduce you to the historical depth and artistic beauty of this French city. After all, the most captivating stories are often found not just in the pages of a book, but in the places where they reside. Go on, a memorable sojourn awaits.