The National Library of France, or Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), has a rich history intertwined with the architectural landscape of Paris. Its journey began in royal palaces and evolved through numerous relocations and expansions, culminating in its current dual-site structure at Richelieu and François-Mitterrand. Each move and construction project reflected the changing needs of its growing collections and the evolving vision for a national repository
of knowledge. These architectural transformations are not merely changes of address but represent significant milestones in the library's development and its role within French society.
Early Homes and Shifting Locations
The earliest iteration of the royal library, founded by Charles V in 1368, was housed within the Louvre Palace. This initial location served as the home for the collection of manuscripts inherited from John II. However, this collection was eventually transferred to England. A new collection began to form at the Louvre after the invention of printing, which Louis XI inherited in 1461. Francis I later moved this collection to Fontainebleau in 1534, merging it with his private library, a period known for the addition of many finely bound books.
Under Jacques Amyot's librarianship, the collection was brought back to Paris, initiating a series of relocations. In 1595, Henry IV moved it to the Collège de Clermont. Following the Jesuits' return, it moved to the Cordeliers Convent in 1604, and then, in 1622, to the Confrérie de Saint-Côme et de Saint-Damien on the rue de la Harpe. By 1666, the Rue de la Harpe location proved insufficient for the rapidly expanding collection, prompting another move to two adjacent houses on Rue Vivienne. Minister Louvois, a successor to Colbert, even contemplated the construction of an opulent new building on what would become the Place Vendôme, though this ambitious project was never realized due to his death in 1691.
Grand Expansions and Modern Sites
A significant opportunity for expansion arose in 1721 when Jean-Paul Bignon, then librarian, capitalized on the collapse of John Law's Mississippi Company. This event freed up substantial space in the former palace of Cardinal Mazarin, around Hôtel Tubeuf, allowing the library to expand its footprint. This period marked a crucial step in consolidating the library's presence in a more permanent and expansive setting within Paris.
Later, in 1868, the library, then known as the Imperial National Library, moved into newly constructed buildings on the Rue de Richelieu. These impressive structures were designed by Henri Labrouste, a prominent architect of the time. After Labrouste's death in 1875, the library underwent further expansion under the academic architect Jean-Louis Pascal, who was responsible for adding the grand staircase and the iconic Oval Room. These additions not only enhanced the library's capacity but also contributed to its architectural grandeur, making the Richelieu site a landmark. Today, the BnF operates from two main sites, Richelieu and François-Mitterrand, reflecting its continued growth and adaptation to modern needs while preserving its historical architectural heritage.
