ABoT aims to create an unprecedented heritage of art editions, with the ambitious goal of building the world’s largest international library of art books. This inclusive project seeks to gather art books from every corner of the globe. 

 

Approximately forty diverse institutions—including museums, libraries, and art schools—located in port cities or near major ports have been approached to host this unique collection during its stopovers. The goal is to offer the collection to the public for several weeks while organizing cultural events that bring together local artists, craftsmen, and visual artists.

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Following the historical routes of maritime trade, books will be transported in specially designed cargo containers that will transform into new “Libraries of Babylon” at each stop. At these locations, the library will serve as both an exhibition space and an agora, inviting us to explore the connections between art and crafts while emphasizing the importance of culture in creative work. This traveling library will feature hundreds of art books and artists’ books from around the world. The initiative, led by the association Art Books on Tour (ABoT), aims to gather works from artists and institutions across five continents, providing a platform to reflect on the cultural relevance and universality of these creations. 

 

ABoT is a non-profit association based in Lausanne, Switzerland, established specifically for this project. The team comprises specialists in graphic and visual arts, publishing, literature, and communication, as well as representatives from the academic community. ABoT has secured partnerships with two major sponsors to support this initiative. 

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This exceptional world tour is set to begin in 2027, kicking off with launches at Basel and the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2026 in Barcelona in 2025 at MONDIACULT, then in 2026 in Arles at the Drawing Festival, Art Basel and the Frankfurt Book Fair.