Estense Library of Modena

The institute, which has its roots in the collection of the Este lords, has existed since the 14th century. Its rich heritage, increased, organized, and studied by librarians such as Ludovico Antonio Muratori and Girolamo Tiraboschi, has further grown over the centuries through donations, inheritances, suppressions of religious institutions, and acquisitions of every kind. In this way, alongside the most precious legacy consisting of illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, 16th-century prints, and rare nautical maps of the Estensi family, especially after the transition to the Italian state (1861) and the transfer to the current location (1882), manuscript and printed collections and archives of writers, scientists, publishers, and librarians have been added over time.

The Estense University Library’s mission is to collect, increase, and safeguard its historical collections and to expand its book collection by acquiring current works, including those on non-paper media. Since September 2006, as the legal deposit holder for Modena and its province, it acquires book production published in the territory, thus enhancing the already rich local history section established based on the previous mandatory deposit law.