A bequest to the town on his death, Emmanuel Lasserre bequeathed to the town of Sarlat his collections of books and works of art, along with his house, on condition that a library-museum be opened there.

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Former Library
XIXᵉ siècle · Sarlat-la-Canéda
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Former Library
The former municipal library of Sarlat
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Maison Lasserre, the former municipal library of Sarlat
At 32 rue de la République, this 19th-century neoclassical building was bequeathed to the town of Sarlat by Emmanuel Lasserre. A municipal library open to the public from 1930, the site closed its doors in August 2024, its collections moving to the new media library.
History
The story, stage by stage
Scroll down to follow the monument's evolution. A one-minute read.
1924
1924The Lasserre bequest
Emmanuel Lasserre bequeaths his house, his books and his works of art to the town of Sarlat.
1930
1930The opening
The municipal library opens to the public at 32 rue de la République.
2024
2024The closure
The site closes in August 2024; the collections move to the new media library.
Key figures
The great figures involved
The places
Explore the building
Did you know?
3 things to remember
The end of an era after nearly a century, the library closed its doors in August 2024, its collections moving to Sarlat's new media library.
The site's future
A second life for the Maison Lasserre?
Closed in August 2024 after its collections moved out, the Maison Lasserre awaits a new use in the very heart of town. Its future is in your hands.
256 habitants ont déjà donné leur avis · la commune s'en saisira.
Maison Lasserre of the Arts
A cabinet of curiosities and exhibitions recalling the collector's bequest.
Community hub & coworking
A shared space for work, workshops and mutual support at 32 rue de la République.
Heritage bookshop-café
A bookshop and tearoom devoted to local history and the Périgord.
Housing in the town centre
Rehabilitating the neoclassical building into housing to bring the centre back to life.
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Virtual tour
Step inside Former Library
Explore the interior in an immersive high-definition tour, room by room, from home.
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pro.louisrichard
Juillet 2026 · Visite virtuelle
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Map & access
Getting there
32 rue de la République, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda · Dordogne
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Support this monument
Support Ancienne Bibliothèque project
Every donation directly funds the upkeep and restoration of this monument.
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