What Is the Name of the Biggest Library in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Paris, the city of romance, is not only famous for its iconic Eiffel Tower, but also for its rich cultural heritage. From art galleries to museums, Paris has a lot to offer to those who love to explore and learn. One of the must-visit places in Paris is the library – a treasure trove of knowledge for book lovers and researchers alike.

If you are wondering what is the name of the biggest library in Paris, then look no further than Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF) or the National Library of France. The BNF is not only the biggest library in Paris but also one of the largest libraries in the world.

Founded in 1368 as a royal library by King Charles V, it was officially named Bibliothèque nationale de France in 1994 after merging with three other libraries. Today, it houses over 40 million books and documents in various languages and formats.

The BNF building complex comprises four towers that rise up to 79 meters above ground level. The towers are named after French intellectual figures – François Mitterrand Tower, Richelieu Tower, Sully Tower, and Louvois Tower. Each tower has multiple floors that house different collections of books and documents.

The François Mitterrand Tower is the most well-known tower due to its modern architecture and impressive design. It has a unique glass facade that reflects sunlight during the day and illuminates from within at night. The tower houses general collections, periodicals, maps, manuscripts, prints and photographs.

The Richelieu Tower is an ancient monument that was built in 1678 under King Louis XIV’s order. It has been recently restored by architect Bruno Gaudin and now houses rare books, manuscripts from ancient times to the 19th century as well as prints and drawings.

The Sully Tower was originally built as a palace for King Henry IV’s minister Maximilien de Béthune. It is now home to the library’s music collection, including manuscripts, printed music, archives and sound recordings.

The Louvois Tower was named after Louvois, the former Secretary of State for War. It houses the library’s departments of law, economics, and politics.

Apart from its impressive collection of books and documents, the BNF also offers various services such as guided tours, exhibitions and concerts. It has also embraced modern technology by digitizing its collections and making them available online for researchers around the world.

In conclusion, Bibliothèque nationale de France or National Library of France is the biggest library in Paris and one of the largest libraries in the world. Its impressive collection of books and documents housed in four towers makes it a must-visit place for book lovers and researchers alike.