Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) | Richelieu

The National Library of France, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, traces its history back to the royal library founded by Charles V the Wise in 1368. In different eras, the library was called royal, imperial, and finally, after the Great French Revolution, it was nationalized and became National.... New building was built for the library by architect Henri Labrouste.In 1868. This structure was revolutionary for its time due to the innovative use of a metal frame, which allowed for the creation of a huge open space without traditional supports, covered by an 18-meter-high dome. Natural light flows abundantly through the dome and large windows, creating a sense of lightness and spaciousness. Labrouste carefully considered the functionality of the hall, with readers' seats arranged in concentric circles. The dome of the Oval Hall is adorned with a monumental painting by the artist Paul-Émile Mille. This painting is a symbolic map of the world, where medallions with the names of great cities and centers of knowledge that have contributed to the development of human thought and printing are placed around the image of the celestial sphere with the signs of the zodiac. Thus, when the reader looks up at the dome, they find themselves under a symbolic sky that unites all the centers of world civilization, turning the hall into a true temple of knowledge. After a 12-year restoration that was completed by 2025, the complex reopened to the public, combining a museum, reading rooms, including the famous Oval Room, and research centers. Visiting the hall is free for all visitors. The territory also has a cafe Rose Bakery, a bookstore and a magnificent garden where you can relax.

This is one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. It has a free entrance unless you want to visit their exhibitions. You don’t need any reservations in advance :) Also, you can visit the library for reading, studying or working, you’ll be surrounded by this beautiful space.

A must visit while in Paris. Breath taking interiors. I got there at opening time and was able to enter without waiting in line and at no cost. The oval room is available for reading, studying, etc and it’s quite comfortable. There’s also a research room that requires a pass. And a good size bookstore with gifts for purchase.

This is a must see. The library is magnificent and the stacks of bookshelves are amazing. The rooms typically have sky light with lots of natural lighting. And since it is a national library, it's free, so anyone can enter.

For tourists that without entry pass, there is a small area for you to stand there and take pictures, you may observe but are not allowed to enter the reading rooms. The building is super beautiful and full of history. The reading rooms are quiet and perfect for getting some serious work done or just soaking in the book vibes.

When I went to Paris, I made sure I allot at least a day to go to this library. No regrets! It was such a magnificent place! I would spend a whole day just browsing and admiring the stunning architecture. Very clean, quiet, and organized. Bought some bookmarks from the shop.

Great place to work ! The Oval Salle is free and you have juste to wait a work space be free and sit. Beautiful place to work and be - good inspiration place - coffee just out of the hall

A Hidden Oasis of Knowledge in the Heart of Paris Nestled between rue de Richelieu and rue de Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement, the Bibliothèque nationale de France is nothing short of a Parisian gem. More than just a library, it’s a sanctuary for the curious, the studious, and anyone seeking beauty and peace in the whirlwind of city life. From the moment you step into the lush tropical front courtyard, the outside world begins to melt away. Inside, the architecture is a feast for the eyes: grand research rooms, ornate ceilings, and the stunning salle ovale, freely accessible to the public, are just a few of its many charms. With 25,000 books at your fingertips, it feels like stepping into a universe built entirely for quiet reflection and wonder. What truly elevates the experience (especially during the summer) is the glorious air conditioning. When Paris swelters, this place remains cool, calm, and beautifully collected. It’s like walking into a different dimension: silent, timeless, and entirely devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. If you find yourself in Paris and in need of inspiration or just a quiet moment away from the chaos, the BnF Richelieu is the spot you didn’t know you needed. I've spent countless days here and, frankly, I still can’t get enough.

Wow!! Just reopened after a renovation this is a true gem. Free entry to public spaces on the ground floor and paid entrance to a small museum on the second floor, which is definitely worth checking out. I could easily spend the entire day, exploring museum and the reading room on the ground floor despite not knowing French too well. They have some amazing treasures upstairs and lots of spaces to sit and read in the main reading room as well as to charge cell phones if needed

Absolutely beautiful library with a marvelous and stunning reading room, all absolutely open to the public. Granted, due to the popularity, seats in the reading room can be reserved in advance and if you plan to do some serious studying there, you should probably "book" a seat. There's exhibitions as well though for some special ones you may have to pay a small fee. Nice gardens too.

This is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world that you can't get in to. You must be approved for studying there according to the lady at the front desk. You can literally take two steps in and take a picture before you are ushered out. Such a disappointment.

First First First...This city is sooooo easy...but I digress... I went to the Bibliotheque National de France for a photo exhibition of Raymond Depardon wherein he has spent like 20 years photographing the changes in the common places around France. Sort of like if one were to travel around the US to the small towns and countryside and photograph the changes of rural America - same principal. I did not find the Depardon exhibit (but I'll look tomorrow). Instead I found the permanent exhibit of the library that includes works or art from the photographic frontier. The exact exhibit is: The origins of photography - Calotype photography in France (1843-1860). This was the infancy of more wide-spread photographic process brought on by the invention of the daguerreotype. There are images from the likes of Henri Courmont, Charles Nègre, Delacroix, Hugo and Adalbert Cuvelier. Most of these names are even now difficult to research via Google, but it is so interesting to see all of the "peers" of this new medium and the evolution of their craft in its infancy. The landscapes are all baron because of the over 1 minute exposure time (moving people do not "appear"). And, the images are often blurry because of this and the quality of the lenses and equipment. Even so, it is possible to see great art in these images - so fascinating. So I'm looking around after the exhibit and I see a doorway - actually 4 doorways with portals into the next room. On these doors is a "not photographs" sign." I peer in to find the main study hall of the National Library of France itself. I did not take a picture, but the view was stunning. Imagine: a 7 story circular room about 100 meters in diameter. The first 4 stories are each ringed with books - 4 stories of circular books with a walkway around each one!!! At the top of the dome is a giant skylight of frosted glass and iron (its ancient). Then the floor is covered with rows of desks and about every 5 feet there is a tall brass lamp with a green glass shade - it was simply stunning. I am confident that this is not the main feature of many guide books. So here is my secret hint to you - go there.