Have you ever misplaced your wallet, only to find yourself frantically searching for it? Or perhaps your phone slipped out of your pocket on the bus, leaving you stranded and disconnected. Losing things is a common human experience, and sometimes, getting them back feels like an impossible feat. But in Paris, retrieving your lost treasures might just be the beginning of an adventure!
A Treasure Trove of Lost Things: The Bureau of Found Objects
Nestled on the city’s rue des Morillons lies a sprawling storage facility that houses a fascinating collection: everything that’s been lost in Paris! The Service des Objets Trouvés, or Bureau of Found Objects, acts as a centralized lost and found, a haven for misplaced items from airports and museums, trains and buses, and even those simply dropped on the street. Every day, over 500 items arrive, each waiting to be reunited with their owners.
This remarkable institution, overseen by the French Ministry of the Interior, has a long and storied history. Centuries ago, during the Middle Ages and Ancien Régime, finding lost objects was a matter of public announcement, with the finder eventually claiming ownership. But in 1804, the system was centralized, and the police prefecture took charge.
A Legacy of Reuniting Lost and Found: From the Rue du Harlay to the Rue des Morillons
While initially obscure, the Bureau of Found Objects gained prominence in 1850, when it moved to a new building on rue du Harlay. Its popularity soared, with nearly 10,000 items entrusted to its care each year. In 1939, it found a new home in a vast basement space on rue des Morillons, where it remains today.
The office’s unique character isn’t just about the vast collection it houses, but also the ornately wood-paneled office, which evokes a sense of stepping back in time. In 2004, the Bureau celebrated its 200th anniversary, solidifying its position as one of the oldest lost and found offices in the world.
Beyond Storage: Reuniting Owners with Lost Possessions
But the Bureau of Found Objects is more than just a storage facility. It’s a team dedicated to reuniting people with their misplaced belongings. Items with return addresses, like wallets containing IDs and driver’s licenses, are promptly mailed back to their owners. Others are reclaimed by individuals who visit the office, describe their lost item, and pay a small custody fee.
The office’s success stories are numerous. Colleen Shaughnessy-Larsson, a blogger documenting lesser-known Parisian spots, recounts finding a lost camera for a couple on vacation. But even when an owner cannot be located, the Bureau continues its mission.
Lost and Found: A Final Resting Place and a Glimpse into History
Unclaimed items with sensitive data, like computers and smartphones, are destroyed. Others, after a specified period, are sold at auction, with proceeds benefiting the French state. A select few items, especially the unique, historically significant, or oddly intriguing, find a permanent home in a small museum within the Bureau.
This museum showcases a fascinating glimpse into the past, including human skulls, a Napoleonic-era saber, World War I helmets, and even a telescope from Victorian England.
Modernizing the Bureau: A Global Reach
In recent years, the Bureau of Found Objects has embraced technology, introducing online services for reporting lost items and paying custody fees. Shipping has also been implemented, enabling lost items to be returned to their owners around the world. From a suitcase in Japan to a wallet in Singapore, the Bureau’s reach extends across continents, proving that the joy of finding a lost object is universal.
With its rich history, dedicated staff, and modern innovations, the Bureau of Found Objects continues to play a vital role in the lives of Parisians and visitors alike. It’s a testament to the enduring power of reuniting people with their possessions, a reminder that even in the bustling heart of Paris, lost things can find their way home.
