What if I told you that a building in Marseille holds the collective memory of the Bouches-du-Rhône? That is the Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre. Inaugurated in 2006 the Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre is more than just a building. It is a repository of history and culture.
Before 2006 the departmental archives resided on Rue Saint-Sébastien. The Bibliothèque départementale de prêt also faced space constraints. In 2000 the Conseil Général decided to construct a new building. It would house both the archives and the library. Two sites in the Euroméditerranée zone were considered.
Architect Corinne Vezzoni proposed a unique edifice. Instead of two separate buildings she suggested a single structure. This marked the first time in France that departmental archives and a lending library were combined.
The Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre covers a vast area. The archives occupy 28000 square meters. The library spans 5400 square meters. The building also features an auditorium, a reading room, and an exhibition space.
The archives occupy the building’s north side. This ensures constant light and prevents document deterioration. The library faces east overlooking a reading garden behind Saint-Martin church.
The Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre has a clear mission. It preserves departmental memory. The archives safeguard over 70 linear kilometers of documents. These date from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre makes these documents accessible to all citizens. It gathers historical records from civil, political, judicial, and religious institutions. These institutions operated in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
The building itself is remarkable. The Vezzoni-Laporte architectural firm designed it. It features elegant and comfortable spaces. A luminous reception hall welcomes visitors. An exhibition gallery spans 250 square meters. The auditorium seats 168. An immense shell called “le galet” protects the department’s written memory.
The Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre also hosts cultural events. Throughout the year the archives offer thematic cycles. These explore the collections and local history. They also address contemporary issues.
The library plays a vital role too. Its main mission is to develop a departmental public reading network. It provides diverse documents to 96 libraries. These include media and bookmobiles. The library advises on construction and equipment. It also trains library staff.
The Gaston Defferre encourages local authors illustrators and editors. It supports creation and publication. It also develops artist residencies.
The Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre stands as a beacon of culture. The Archives et bibliothèque départementales Gaston Defferre illuminates the past. It inspires the future. The Gaston Defferre is a place where history meets modernity.