Paris1972-Versailles2003

Let me bring you to an off the beaten path in my eternal Paris but a very interesting place to visit , me think, This is a library with a lot of history of France that many do not dare to visit, I admit my times here have been briefs just to read on historical books, We do come to Paris ,and one of the thing to do is to see these wonderful monuments for the architecture and history and glorious walks. Do read my other posts on it in my blog. Therefore, let me tell you about the  Bibliothéque National de France , site Richelieu !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The National Library of France (BnF), so called since 1994, is the national library of the French Republic, inaugurated under this new name on March 30, 1995 , Heir to the royal collections constituted since the Middle Ages, it has one of the most richest in the world. First institution in charge of collecting the legal deposit, from 1537, it is the most important library in France and one of the most important in the world. The historic site, dating from the 17C, which now occupies an entire block, is located in the 2éme arrondissement of Paris, on the site of the Palais Mazarin and the Hotel Tubeuf, which also housed the Paris Stock Exchange in the 18C. It is commonly referred to as the “quadrilateral Richelieu”, named after the street from its main entrance. bounded by the streets of Petits-Champs , Vivienne , Colbert and Richelieu (main entrance).

The Richelieu site is the historic cradle of the National Library of France. It houses: the BnF research rooms of the specialized departments: Performing Arts, Maps and Plans, Prints and Photography, Manuscripts, Coins, Medals and Antiques, and Music (access reserved for those with a valid Research Pass); the Oval Room,(see pic), a free reading and relaxation room open to all; the BnF Museum; the Mansart Gallery – Pigott Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions; the library of the Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art; and the library of the École Nationale des Chartes. A true hub for researchers in art history and heritage, it is also open to all for tours of the architectural spaces, the museum, exhibitions, and cultural events. Please note: Reservations are strongly recommended for all museum and exhibition visitors to avoid waiting and ensure a seat.

The Access to the BNF are by two entrances one is on 5, rue Vivienne; Where you will find the free discovery of the site, access to the garden, café, bookstore, Access to the Oval Room, Visit to the museum (with and without reservation), Visit to the temporary exhibitions (with and without reservation), and Access to cultural events (with reservation, The other is at main entrance on 58, rue de Richelieu ; where you will find the registration for the Research library, Access to the Research reading rooms, Group visit, Dedicated access to the museum and exhibitions for cardholders (BnF Reading / Culture Pass, Research Pass, Culture Card, etc.). Access for people with disabilities. The Oval Room, (see pic) open to all, regardless of age, with free access, this spectacular reading room offers: a collection of 20,000 volumes on the history of art and heritage, comics, and digital arts; specific activities for children; and digital terminals that provide an overview of the BnF’s diverse collections. Access to the Oval Room is via 5 rue Vivienne. It is free to all, and is open Tuesdays from 10h to 20h (late opening) and Wednesdays through Sundays from 10h to 18h.

The building is set up as such ; on the ground floor (1fl US);the Jardin Vivienne ; Oval Room, Access to the BnF museum (1st floor – stairs / elevator), Galerie Mansart – Piggot gallery – Temporary exhibition room, Hall Roux Spitz – access to the conference room, Salle Labrouste – INHA Library (Research) and Educational Spaces and Cour d’Honneur, On the 1st Floor (2ndfl US), the Hall of Columns (museum), Precious Cabinet (museum), Luynes Room (museum), Barthélémy Room (museum), Louis XV Salon (museum), Glass Gallery (museum), Rotunda (museum), Mazarin Gallery (museum), Roux-Spitz Hall, Mazarin’s Room, and Conference Room

The new BnF museum on the Richelieu site presents the exceptional collections, spanning the entire breadth of the Library’s collections from Antiquity to the present day, with nearly 900 pieces. Rare pieces are on display, such as the Grand Cameo of France, Dagobert’s throne, Victor Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris, prints by Picasso and Rembrandt, and Charlemagne’s chessboard. Built by the architect François Mansart between 1644 and 1646, the Mansart Gallery offers two temporary exhibitions per year, complementing the cultural offerings of the new museum and the François Mitterrand site.

The Bibliothéque National de France (BNF) site Richelieu : https://www.bnf.fr/fr/la-bnf-richelieu

The Paris tourist office on the BNF site Richelieu : https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/bibliotheque-nationale-de-france-richelieu-p1009

There you go folks, something different from your regular visits to our beautiful Paris,  eternal and well beyond words . It is a nice off the beaten path site to see and enjoy it, Again, hope you have enjoy the post on the Bibliothéque National de France , site Richelieu !!! as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!