National Library of France

The National Library of France (Bibliothèque nationale de France, BnF) is one of the main cultural and knowledge centers in the world, a true institution that embodies the richness of French literary and documentary heritage. Located in various sites in Paris, including the monumental François-Mitterrand complex, the BnF is a place of study, research, and preservation, a symbol of France’s cultural history. The origins of the BnF date back to the Middle Ages, when it was founded as a royal library by Charles V in 1368. Initially, the collection included manuscripts, rare books, and other precious documents collected by the French monarchs. This royal library was housed in the Louvre Palace, which then served as the residence of the sovereigns. With the French Revolution, the library became a national library, open to the public and accessible to all, symbolizing the democratization of knowledge. One of the most iconic locations of the BnF is undoubtedly the Richelieu site, located in the heart of Paris. This historic building, which has housed the library for centuries, is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Inside is the famous Labrouste Room, with its dome ceiling supported by slender columns, an environment that inspires and enchants anyone who sets foot in it. The Labrouste Room has recently been restored, bringing back its original beauty and adapting it to modern needs. In the 1990s, with the increase in collections and the need for more suitable spaces, the new François-Mitterrand site was built, located in the XIII arrondissement. This complex, inaugurated in 1996, is an example of contemporary architecture designed by architect Dominique Perrault. The François-Mitterrand site is distinguished by its four towers shaped like an open book, symbolizing knowledge in continuous expansion. The towers house millions of volumes, while the underground spaces accommodate vast storage areas and modern, functional reading rooms. The BnF possesses one of the richest and most diverse collections in the world, with over 40 million documents. Among these are medieval manuscripts, incunabula, rare books, maps, prints, photographs, musical scores, and digital archives. Every year, the library continues to enrich itself with new acquisitions and donations, maintaining its role as guardian of France’s cultural and literary heritage. One of the most precious treasures of the BnF is the manuscript of the “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry,” a illuminated Book of Hours dating back to the 15th century, considered a masterpiece of medieval art. This manuscript, richly illustrated with scenes of daily life and the liturgical calendar, offers a unique window into the medieval world. Its miniatures, created by the Limbourg brothers, are famous for their precision and beauty, representing a pinnacle of Gothic illumination. In addition to its physical collections, the BnF is at the forefront of digitizing its archives. The Gallica project, launched in 1997, has made millions of documents available online, making books, manuscripts, images, and other materials accessible to a global audience. This initiative has allowed for the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage in an innovative way, facilitating research and access to knowledge. An intriguing anecdote concerns the BnF’s collection of incunabula. Among these is one of the first editions of the Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1455. This Bible, one of the first books printed with movable type, represents a milestone in the history of printing and the dissemination of knowledge. Its arrival at the BnF was dramatic: purchased at an auction in the 19th century, the Bible was secretly transported to Paris to prevent other institutions from claiming ownership. From a social and political perspective, the BnF has always played a central role in French intellectual life. During the French Revolution, the library became a symbol of the new Republic, open to all citizens as a place of education and enlightenment. Over the centuries, the BnF has continued to be a reference point for writers, scholars, and artists, contributing to shaping the cultural landscape of France and beyond. The BnF is also a place of technological innovation. In addition to the Gallica project, the library has developed numerous digital tools for the preservation and enjoyment of collections. Among these are restoration laboratories, where ancient manuscripts and rare books are restored using cutting-edge techniques. These laboratories are crucial for the preservation of heritage, ensuring that works can be passed down to future generations in optimal conditions.