Institut de France

The Institut de France is a French institution created in 1795. It brings together the nation's scientific, literary, and artistic elites to work together on perfecting sciences and arts, developing independent thought, and advising public authorities. This has earned it the nickname "Parliament of the learned world". It is placed under the protection of the President of the Republic and is located on Quai de Conti, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.

It comprises five academies, whose solemn meetings take place in green academic dress under the dome of the former Collège des Quatre-Nations, which houses it:

l'Académie française (40 members);

l'Académie des inscriptions et belles-lettres (55 members);

l'Académie des sciences (250 members under 75 years old, plus those over 75);

l'Académie des beaux-arts (67 members);

l'Académie des sciences morales et politiques (50 members).

Authorised to receive bequests and donations, the Institute houses numerous foundations that patronise research and creation through the awarding of prizes, scholarships, and grants, as well as being guardians of a significant heritage of properties and collections bequeathed since the late 19th century.