BnF or Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France)
“The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.”
― T.S. Eliot
National Library of Paris - Richelieu Library
The other month I was standing in awe in the oval reading room of the National Library of France - Richelieu Library, otherwise known to the locals as the BnF and the beauty of this building nearly brought tears to my eyes. I am not joking, the immense and kaleidoscopic oval reading room designed by academic architect Jean-Louis Pascal took my breath away!
More...
Being part of the library, the oval reading room, and indeed also the corridors and meeting place, were peaceful and hushed. This atmosphere of hushed learning was almost a shock after leaving the nearby busy street of rue des Petits Champs and because I had not seen any photos of the reading room before or actually planned to visit the Richelieu Library of the Bibliothèque national de France, the sheer unexpected beauty hit me with impact. I was so glad I stumbled across the library and decided to enter its courtyard.
Outside the library, the neighbouring streets teem with office workers grabbing lunch, tourists pounding the pavement and elegant ladies catching up over a coffee, but once you've passed the strict security barricade, all is eerily quiet.
While a visit to the Bibliothèque national de France, Richelieu Library may not be top of your must see locations in Paris, if you can add a quick look into the reading room I'm sure you'll love it.
Oval Reading Room of Bibliothèque national de France, Richelieu Library
BnF Locations Around Paris
The entire collection of the Bibliothèque national de France is housed in different locations around the city of Paris and at one site in Avignon. The sites include BnF François Mitterrand, BnF Richelieu, BnF Arsenal and BnF Bibliothèque Musée de l'Opéra in Paris and Jean-Vilar in Avignon.
At 58 rue de Richelieu, the BnF Richelieu Library sits in the historic centre of Paris and boasts an exquisite facade. Currently named “Richelieu, Bibliothèques, Musée, Galeries”, the Richelieu Library now also includes the libraries of the Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art and the École Nationale des Chartes.
History of the National Library of France
Tracing its origin to the royal library founded at the Louvre Palace by Charles V in 1368 the collection of manuscripts moved to the Palais de la Cité, then later to Fontainebleau, back to the Palace, then to rue de la Harpe and eventually in 1868 to its newly constructed buildings on rue de Richelieu. These new buildings were designed by Henri Labrouste and when he died in 1875 the library was expanded including the grand suitcase and the Oval Room by Jean-Louis Pascal.
The Library first opened to the public in 1868, making it one of the oldest centres for learning in Paris and when I visited the library it was being well used, with no spare study desk in the oval reading room! Admission to this part of the library is restricted to members with a membership card but flash less photos can be taken from the entrance way.
During the centuries the collections have either grown or suffered loss and destruction due to relocation, war, gift bequeathing, and the French Revolution when the private libraries of aristocrats and clergy were seized. The current collection of 40 million items includes many ancient manuscripts, and a collection of Greek and Roman pottery.
Events at the National Library of France
With loads of lectures, expositions and concerts on offer the library has a full calendar of events. The range of events is diverse, for example, Archéologie des Femmes de Pouvoir, Les Trésors de Richelieu, Les Ateliers du Livre and Manuscrits de l'Extrême Prison, Passion, Péril, Possession.
Square Louvois on rue de la Richelieu
Another delight when visiting the BnF or National Library of France - Richelieu, on rue de la Richelieu is the Louvois Garden across the street with its Fontaine Louvois (Louvois Fountain) and perfectly manicured small lawns - another treasure just waiting to be discovered by you when you're next in Paris.
Related Posts
Save this pin to help you plan your next trip to Paris
