librairie-kleber-strasbourg-renovation-fermeture

This iconic address in the heart of Strasbourg is getting a major facelift and will be closed for 10 months!

undefined undefined 23 juin 2025 undefined 19h00

The Editor

© Hadrian / Shutterstock.com

It's a paper monument that's about to take a break: the Kléber bookstore, the beating heart of Strasbourg for over 60 years, will close its doors for ten months starting in January 2026 for a major facelift. But there's no way we're turning the page.

In Strasbourg, saying that the Kléber bookstore is a fixture would be an understatement. For over half a century, it has watched over the eponymous square, freely distributing knowledge and feeding the literary appetite of Strasbourg residents. But even institutions need a little makeover. So, starting in January 2026, curtain up! Kléber will close for a major renovation that will last ten months, with the mission to modernize a building rich in history and make the reading experience even more enjoyable.

Built in 1914 and filled with the vibrant energy of cafés and dance halls, the building is about to undergo a complete transformation: roofing, plumbing, security, carpentry... nothing will be overlooked. And this isn’t just a simple makeover. It’s a genuine metamorphosis. The currently inaccessible spaces, totaling nearly 500 m², will be revitalized to enhance what we offer even further. Because yes, despite having 100,000 references across three floors, the bookstore was starting to feel a bit cramped.

A slice of Strasbourg's history gets a modern twist

This ambitious project, carried out hand in hand by the City, Habitation Moderne, and Éditions Gallimard, plans for two major phases: the first led by the city, the second by the publisher. Goal: to restore visibility, functionality, and vibrancy to this iconic place without losing its essence. During the closure, no worries: everything is set up to ensure a presence in the city center with one or more temporary spaces that will host readings, meetups, and book lovers.

The lease will be suspended during the renovations, and part of the rent for the temporary locations will be covered to limit the economic impact. This shows that the City and Gallimard are not just writing a chapter of rehabilitation, but truly a novel of sharing and love for books. The Kléber bookstore is getting a makeover, and it’s all set to come back brighter than ever, ready to write new stories with the people of Strasbourg.


Source : Actualitté