The Bibliothèque nationale de France, located in Paris, has a long history. Completed in the late 19th century by architect Henri Labrouste, the library is considered a masterpiece of the Beaux Arts style. This is a late period of Neoclassical architecture that combines the architectural styles of ancient Greece and ancient Rome. With its unique interior design, it has become an important cultural landmark in the city.
The library, which used to be exclusively for the royal family, reopened to the public at the end of last year after 15 years of renovation by architects Bruno Gaudin and Virginie Brégal. It now showcases millions of paintings, photographs, historical manuscripts, coins, and jewelry. The Oval Room, designed by architect Jean-Louis Pascal in the 19th century, has been extensively preserved with its 60-foot arched glass ceiling. Natural light pours in through skylights, transforming it into a stunning public reading room.
For this renovation project, the architect has also added a large steel and aluminum staircase. Spiraling up the floors, the floor also houses a small museum and the Mazarin Gallery, which is nearly 150 feet long and features a Baroque-style mural ceiling. A glass walkway connects the eastern and western sides of the library, and the architect has added a new entrance to accommodate more visitors.
In addition to books, a collection of historical documents and artworks totaling 22 million pieces is stored here. In the hall, you will find the second largest collection of Greek vases in the world, original prints by Rembrandt and Picasso, sculptures by Matisse, the Gutenberg Bible, and a chess set made of ivory belonging to Charlemagne, among others. The richness of the exhibits is no less than that of a museum, so why not include it as a must-visit attraction when traveling to France!
