Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand

Library · Gare

Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand

Library · Gare

Quai François Mauriac, 75706 Paris, France

Highlights

The Bibliothèque nationale de France dazzles with its sleek glass towers, a staggering collection of 14 million volumes, and an array of engaging cultural events.

Quai François Mauriac, 75706 Paris, France Get directions

bnf.fr

@atlasobscura

"The massive Bibliothèque nationale de France is one of the grandest and most storied collections of printed material in the world. It’s also home to two marvels of French Renaissance cartography. The Bibliothèque nationale de France can trace its origin all the way back to 1368 when it was founded by Charles V. Despite being moved multiple times and having portions of the collection dispersed, it remained the largest library in the world until the late 1800’s, when other collections surpassed its numbers. The facilities have been rebuilt and expanded in modern times and renovated throughout, leaving it as still one of the largest libraries in the world with over ten million titles. It houses books on the arts, law, economics, languages and literature, science and technology, humanities, philosophy and more. The library also houses numerous collections from antiquity including over 5,000 Greek manuscripts. The library also has an extensive collection of antique coins, including Greek, Roman, and French. Visitors attend the library for a bit of historical tourism as well as to check out the books. Among most popular attractions on display are Louis XIV’s globes. They lived at Versailles until the French Revolution, after which they moved from place to place before finally settling permanently at the Bibliothèque nationale." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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Aziz “Arafat” SAJAN

Google

Great place to achieve knowledge in a very calm way.Having a garden in the middle of the library.Huge space for working as a person or in a group.Variety collections of books made it magnificent places to visit or work purpose.Having a lovely terrace inside wow!I love that view from terrace.Before entry you gonna get a glimpse touch of architecture around wow magical place.Beside this one part of BNF has a wonderful view covering Seine.Had a session there was less in time but worthy.Recommended if you somehow manage to pass by you should have a look in Bibliothèque National France🇫🇷

hossein mostafapour

Google

Located near Bercy Seine station and Seine River, this library offers an impressive view, and the building itself is quite striking. The access to the library is easy and well-organized. They host interesting events and exhibitions from time to time, which adds to the cultural experience. The collection is vast, providing great access to a variety of books, manuscripts, and historical documents. However, if you want to access specific manuscripts, you’ll need to prove you’re actively working or researching on a particular topic, which ensures serious academic use. Highly recommended for both casual visits and research purposes.

christian hacker

Google

love the architecture. for the outside: wooden floorboard, stairs towards the riverbank. get your stuff at quai de la gare and have picknick at the seine. atrium with forest - only bad thing is the construction fence instead of safety glass...

Garima Adlakha

Google

An amazing enormous library. Different sections. There is a cafeteria too inside. It’s open and free for public. Must visit! Even the surroundings are awesome. You may see some people practising dance steps.

ella penso

Google

This is NOT the national library with the round hall (salle oval). Its a differrnt place. the west entrance was locked so I had to search for the east entrance and its not easy to find (see video i uploaded). Free entrance to corridor with toiletes, cafe globe, chairs and heating. Many young students.

Meghan Hendrix

Google

This is a really interesting national library—I highly recommend taking the time to explore different parts of it inside. The architecture of the outside is fantastic, and it is really interesting to look at from the outside and from the observatory area inside. It is a good place to study; I often sat near the café. The library has interesting exhibitions and a cute gift shop with post cards that feature works of art in the library's archives; unfortunately, a tote bag I bought from the gift shop broke after only two days of use.

M E

Google

The National Library of France is an extraordinary institution, offering a wealth of knowledge for researchers, historians, and the general public alike. Its vast collection spans centuries and includes some of the most significant manuscripts, books, and historical documents in the world. The architecture of the François-Mitterrand site is both modern and imposing, providing a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The reading rooms are spacious, quiet, and well-equipped, making them ideal for focused research. The staff is incredibly helpful, providing expert guidance to navigate the vast holdings of the library. Additionally, the library hosts numerous exhibitions and cultural events, showcasing rare and precious items from their collections, further enhancing the experience for visitors. For scholars, the National Library offers access to invaluable primary sources, both physically and digitally, making it a hub for serious academic work. Whether you are visiting for research or simply to explore its cultural treasures, the National Library of France is a must-see landmark for anyone interested in history, literature, and civilization.

Nick E

Google

Free to get in, But all of the study rooms cost money. Everything is free after 5pm The outside architecture is the main draw here. Doesn't hurt that the library itself is huge as well. Lots of places to study. I will be going back for sure.