The Richelieu site is the historic cradle of the National Library of France.

Tell us your story/detailed overview

The new BnF museum encompasses the entire breadth of the Library's holdings, from Antiquity to the present day. Rare, moving, and surprising pieces are exhibited in a journey through the most beautiful spaces of the Richelieu site. From books to manuscripts, including jewelry, coins and medals, maps and plans, sheet music, prints, posters, costumes, and photography, there are nearly 900 exceptional works to discover in the heart of Paris. The first wing of the museum, which leads from the Salle des Colonnes to the Louis XV salon and its sumptuous rocaille decor from the King's cabinet, permanently displays collections of antiquities. The Mazarin Gallery , a jewel of Baroque decor, exhibits church treasures, works on paper, as well as sound and visual recordings. At the end of the glass gallery, in the Richelieu wing, the rotunda focuses on the performing arts in all their forms. Due to the fragility of some works, some of the pieces exhibited in the Mazarin Gallery and the Rotunda are renewed every four months. Each year, a new thematic presentation offers a different perspective on the library's collections.

Any need to know/rules & guidelines

We truly appreciate your presence in our community, and your support means the world to us. As a café, we’re grateful when you savor our delicious offerings and share your appreciation through generous tips. Your kindness helps us keep our mission alive. Here are other tidbits for you: There is a charge to access museum. Tickets to the museum on site or at bnf.tickeasy.com . Access to the Oval Room is via 5, rue Vivienne. It is free for all. The Oval Room is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (late night) and Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays, public holidays and Easter and Whit Sundays. The Oval Room is open on May 8, Ascension Thursday, November 1 and 11. Embrace your place—this is where you truly belong!

Website

https://www.bnf.fr/fr