Coinciding with the Australian premiere of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables in Melbourne, Victor Hugo: Les Misérables – From Page to Stage, to be held at the State Library of Victoria, brings together an extraordinary collection of rarely seen material from around the world.
Visitors will be taken on a journey from the inception of this iconic French novel to the life of its famous author and the incredible and continuing global impact of Les Misérables. Learn about Victor Hugo’s life, the events that led to the creation of Les Miserables and the many subsequent literary, theatrical and musical adaptations thanks to important loans from the Musée Rodin, Bibliothéque Nationale de France, Maison de Victor Hugo, Cameron Mackintosh Archive and others.
Visit 19th Century Paris through Charles Marville’s photos which he produced with a commission to document the old medieval Paris, it’s
demolition and the new Haussman Paris – reflecting 
the transformation and modernisation of the city. This rare collection now belongs to the State Library of Victoria and is considered a French National Treasure.
Showcasing a collection of rarely seen material from around the world, featuring original writing and artwork from playwright and author Victor Hugo, including his original 1862 manuscript of Les Misérables – the 945 page volume is a national treasure of France and will leave the secure vaults of the Biblioteque Nationale de France for its first ever showing outside Europe.
CEO and State Librarian, Sue Roberts, says the exhibition is a world-first, a major cultural coup for Melbourne and a must-see for all those inspired by the universal appeal of Les Misérables.
Ms Roberts says the exhibition will combine traditional elements with interactive displays to give visitors a unique 
experience.
“We will have a gallery that explores the life of Victor Hugo, the Paris of his day and the writing of his masterpiece and its many adaptations. There will also be a gallery dedicated to the musical with unique behind the scenes insights into its creation, music, performances, sets and costumes. This is the biggest exhibition ever staged at the State Library and a true delight for our visitors.”
Most people know Victor Hugo the writer, but the artist has been a well kept secret – see Victor Hugo’s own artwork in this exhibition.
Tickets available through Ticketek.
State Library of Victoria
18 July to 9 November, 2014
Melbourne
Andreane Neofitou, original costume design for Enroljas, Les Misérables, 1985
Courtesy of Andreane Neofitou
Victor Hugo, Ma destinée (My destiny), 1867
©Maisons de Victor Hugo / Roger-Viollet
Charles Marville, Cour du Dragonc, 1865-1869, State Library of Victoria
