[2025 Paris Attraction] Travel Guide for François-Mitterrand Library (Updated Apr)

The National Library of France (BNF) is the largest and most modern library in France with a long history and rich collections. Its predecessor was the King's Library established by Charles V, which made great progress under Louis XIV, and later became the National Library of the French Republic. This library belongs to the "Building Library" plan announced by President Mitterrand on the French National Day in 1988. The design plan of 35-year-old young architect Dominique Perrault won the bid. The construction process took nine years, and in 1997, the World Library opened to the public. The National Library of France is composed of a base surrounded by four corner towers, which are 79 meters high. The museum contains 14 million volumes of books and prints (imprimé), in addition to manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps and plans, musical scores, coins, medals, audio materials, videos, multimedia materials, decorations, clothing, etc. All intellectual, artistic and scientific disciplines are presented here in an encyclopedic spirit of inclusiveness. About 150,000 documents enter the collection each year through legal deposit, purchase or donation.