National Library

The “Bibliothèque nationale de France” (National Library of France) is the repository of all that is published in France. Its history is of course long, starting during the 14^th century, but it was under Napoleon I that it was first stated that the National Library should have a copy of “all books”. During the 17^th century the Library was installed in some existing mansions (“hôtels particuliers”) to which new important buildings were added during the latter part of the 19^th century. The official address is Rue de Richelieu and the site is referred to as the “Richelieu” site. Since 1988, a large part of the Library’s activities have been transferred to a new site, “Bibliothèque François Mitterand” on the left bank. 

I already posted about the “Richelieu” site some six or seven years ago (see here) and then listed some of the remarkable things that are stored here. 

Some important renovation works have been going on since then. Last weekend the doors were opened allowing a visit of the renovated parts of the buildings.

As you can see, the Parisians were curious to see what had been done.

The most spectacular views are perhaps from the “Salle Labrouste”, so named after its architect. (See also top picture.) It was opened in 1868. Henri Labrouste is also known for the Sainte Geneviève Library (Sorbonne) which was opened in 1850 and on which I posted here.

A little glimpse of the central warehousing facilities.

Some space is devoted to the performing arts (“Arts du spectacle”). A few items are exhibited, including a portrait of a young Sarah Bernhardt, for which she herself made the frame.

This space is devoted to “manuscript reading”.

In what is referred to as the hall of honour we can find a version of the famous statute of Voltaire by Jean Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) – there are a number of them around. This one is referred to as the original plaster version… and in the base of the statue, Voltaire’s heart can – since 1924 - be found.

The renovation works continue in other parts of the buildings. This is the case with the large reading room, referred to as the “Salle Ovale”. (I included a photo from 2010.)

One item under discussion has been the future of the main staircase leading to the “museum part” of the Library. Destroyed, replaced…? I took this picture during a previous visit.   

        

BnF - "Richelieu"

The National Library of France (Bibilothèque nationale de France – “BnF”) has its origins from the 14th century, then Royal. Since 1537 there is an obligation, still in force, that a copy of all printed matters must be deposited. In the 17th century the Library was installed in the area which you can see on the map. With increasing needs of surface area, it expanded to a number of private mansions in the area. The Revolution changed the name from Royal to National. Important renovation and construction work took place during the 19th century – including the vast reading room (top picture) - to make a total and integrated complex, which basically is what you see today, referred to as “Richelieu”.

Some of the halls, the stairs and other reading rooms are spectacular and all over the place different interesting objects are exposed including 17th century globes. The largest existing antique cameo you can see on one photo dates from about 23 BC. Among the documents stored you may note the world’s oldest book (2350 BC), pieces from the Dead Sea Scrolls, Bibles from the 5th and 6th centuries, three Gutenberg bibles, 900 Rembrandt engravings, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Wagner, Ravel, Debussy…scores, Casanova’s autobiography manuscript and manuscripts of many other authors like Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau, Beaumarchais, de Sade, Chateaubriand, Lamartine, Balzac, Hugo, Flaubert, Verne…, the world’s first photo (Niépce 1825)….

More and more space has been needed and for a long time important parts of the collections, millions and millions of books and other documents have been stored elsewhere. The most spectacular event is of course the creation on the left bank of the “Bibilothèque François Mitterrand”, opened to public in 1995.

I wish you a nice weekend!