French National Library, Paris

BNF, the french national library

In the 1980ies, French President Francois Mitterand commissioned the new French National Library in Paris, now called BNF Francois Mitterand.

The French National Library (BNF) is located on the eastern side of Paris. Locate BNF on Paris map.

Architect Dominique Perrault designed a dramatic building with a garden surrounded by four towers.

Visit French National Library

The BNF library has 1600 seats in open reading rooms, 2000 seats for scientists and researchers.

It boasts 10 million pieces of printed or recorded material. The interior from the reading rooms to the furniture is a unique blend of wood, glass and light.

A lovely pedestrian bridge now links the BNF with Bercy (above). More information at BNF official site

Paris metro: station François Mitterand on line 14