The Guille-Allès Museum

When the Library first opened it was also a Museum.

The Guille-Allès Museum occupied the top floor of the building, with exhibits on science and natural history alongside fascinating artefacts from all over the world.

The bulk of the collection came from the Guernsey Mechanics’ Institute (later to become the Société Guernesiaise), along with items from Guille and Allès's own private collections, and numerous donations from local benefactors.

The Museum stayed open until 1979, when the contents were sent on indefinite loan to the new Guernsey Museum in Candie Gardens. To this day, the 'Guille-Allès Collection' plays a key part in many Guernsey Museums exhibitions. And now, for the first time in more than 40 years, some of these artefacts have returned home to the Library for display in BOUNDLESS CURIOSITY.

Click the button below to read the captions for every artefact on display in the exhibition.