Bibliothèque nationale de France – En ce moment
From Tuesday to Sunday at our Richelieu site
The BnF’s Museum covers the full extent of the Library’s collections, from Antiquity to the present day. Almost 900 outstanding items are on exhibition and regularly renewed, along an itinerary across the Richelieu site’s most beautiful areas.
Bibliothèque nationale de France – Histoire et Évolution
The National Library of France traces its origin to the royal library founded at the Louvre Palace by Charles V in 1368. Charles had received a collection of manuscripts from his predecessor, John II, and transferred them to the Louvre from the Palais de la Cité. The first librarian of record was Claude Mallet, the king’s valet de chambre, who made a sort of catalogue, *Inventoire des Livres du Roy nostre Seigneur estans au Chastel du Louvre*. Jean Blanchet made another list in 1380 and Jean de Bégue one in 1411 and another in 1424. Charles V was a patron of learning and encouraged the making and collection of books. It is known that he employed Nicholas Oresme, Raoul de Presles,“
- Early Beginnings: The Royal Collection
- The Revolution and Public Access
- Modernization and Expansion
Bibliothèque nationale de France – Site Richelieu et François Mitterrand
Site Richelieu-Louvois holds to Paris’ 2. arrondissement, on adress 58 Rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris. Here find the Bibliothèque du Roi (or King’s Library), which incorporated the royal collection of books and treasures passed down from successive kings dating back to Charles V in 1380.
- Richelieu Site: Baroque Grandeur
- François Mitterrand Site: Contemporary Innovation
Bibliothèque nationale de France – Collections et Oeuvres Notables
The Bibliothèque nationale de France’s collections encompass books, manuscripts, art and historical artifacts. The Cabinet des Médailles, with its collection of coins and medals, offers a unique perspective on political iconography and artistic expression throughout the ages.
- Manuscript Treasures
- Ancient Coins and Medals
- Renaissance Art
Bibliothèque nationale de France – Une Bibliothèque Unique
What truly sets the BnF apart is not merely the scale of its collections but its unwavering commitment to accessibility. It is a place where scholars can delve into ancient texts, students can conduct research, and curious visitors can explore the treasures of French culture—a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the importance of preserving our shared heritage.
