The manuscripts of the dukes of Bourbon

Although not as widely known as the libraries of the Dukes of Berry and the Kings of France, the library of the Dukes and Duchesses of Bourbon was nonetheless one of the most important in late medieval France.

In 1661, the Duchy of Bourbon was granted to Louis II of Bourbon, the Grand Condé. The grant included forty or so manuscripts from the library of the Château de Moulins, now a cornerstone of The Reading Room at the Château de Chantilly. This prestigious collection, which includes priceless Italian manuscripts and sumptuous works commissioned by French noble families, is currently on display for the first time. Building on recent research and prestigious loans, the exhibition explores the distinctive personalities of the princes and princesses who commissioned, collected and cherished them.