Bibliothèque nationale de France

Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF). The National Library of France is the national library of France, established in its modern form in 1994, though its origins trace back to the royal collections of the Middle Ages.

Located primarily in Paris, with its flagship site at Tolbiac (opened in 1996), the BnF is tasked with collecting, preserving, and providing access to France’s published heritage via legal deposit, a practice begun in 1537. Housing over 40 million items—including books, manuscripts, maps, and digital archives—it is one of the world’s largest libraries.

The BnF also hosts exhibitions, research facilities, and cultural events, with notable holdings like the Grand Camée de France. Designed by architect Dominique Perrault, its four-tower structure symbolizes open books. As of 2025, it continues to expand its digital offerings through Gallica, its online platform.

The library has grown through centuries of acquisitions and now holds an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials. It operates on two main sites: Richelieu and François-Mitterrand.

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