In Paris, some libraries are far more than simply locations to learn. Behind their bookshelves lie architectural masterpieces, monumental halls, painted ceilings, and distinctive heritage collections. Some are open to the general public at any time, whereas others open their doorways solely on uncommon events, which makes all of them the extra fascinating.
Here’s a collection of the 10 most stunning libraries in Paris. From the majestic Oval Room on the Nationwide Library of France to the key libraries of the CNAM and the Senate, uncover these distinctive locations and learn the way to go to them.
1. The Nationwide Meeting Library
Situated within the coronary heart of the Palais Bourbon, the Nationwide Meeting Library is undoubtedly some of the prestigious in France. In-built 1834 by Jules de Joly, it’s best identified for its immense studying room, greater than forty meters lengthy, whose domes have been painted by Eugène Delacroix. The decorations are among the many best ornamental ensembles of the nineteenth century.
The library at the moment holds greater than 700,000 volumes, totally on regulation, historical past, political science, and parliamentary affairs.
Can we go to it?
Sure, free guided or audio-guided excursions lasting about 1 hour and half-hour are supplied year-round. All it’s a must to do is register on the Nationwide Meeting’s web site.
33 Quai d’Orsay
2. The Oval Room on the BNF Richelieu
After a number of years of restoration, the Salle Ovale has as soon as once more change into some of the stunning cultural areas in Paris. Opened in 1936, this immense elliptical studying room is topped by a glass roof that soars to a peak of almost 18 meters. Its light-colored picket bookshelves, hundreds of books out there for open entry, and pure gentle make it a spectacular place.
The library now homes greater than 20,000 books, comedian books, magazines, and reference works out there freed from cost.
3. The Labrouste Room on the INHA
Situated proper subsequent to the Salle Ovale, this masterpiece by architect Henri Labrouste is taken into account some of the stunning libraries on this planet. Its collection of 9 domes supported by slender metallic columns revolutionized library structure within the nineteenth century.
Now a part of the library of the Nationwide Institute of Artwork Historical past (INHA), it homes an distinctive assortment of supplies dedicated to artwork historical past.
A video of the Labrouste library
4. The Senate Library
Housed within the Palais du Luxembourg, the Senate Library is spectacular each for its structure and its historical past. Based within the early nineteenth century, it was embellished by Eugène Delacroix, who, amongst different works, painted the murals within the central dome depicting Dante and the good poets.
Its collections, comprising a number of hundred thousand volumes, focus totally on regulation, political science, historical past, and the humanities.
Can we go to it?
The Senate Library is open to guests solely throughout Heritage Days or as a part of guided excursions of the Senate supplied every now and then.
📍 15 rue de Vaugirard
5. The Irish Cultural Heart Library
Tucked away within the historic buildings of the Collège des Irlandais, this small library affords a very welcoming ambiance. It is among the final libraries that when stood on Montagne Sainte-Geneviève within the 18th century.
It comprises some 8,000 works relationship from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century, primarily within the fields of theology, philosophy, and historical past.
SEE ALSO: The Irish Cultural Heart: Eire on the Coronary heart of Paris
Can we go to it?
This library is open to guests by appointment or throughout guided excursions supplied each Wednesday at 6 p.m. in November and December. For extra data, go to the Irish Cultural Heart’s web site
5 Rue des Irlandais
6. The Library at Paris Metropolis Corridor
Little identified to most of the people, this heritage library is situated inside Metropolis Corridor. It specializes within the historical past of Paris, municipal administration, and the social sciences. Its elegant studying room is embellished with wooden paneling.
Can we go to it?
It’s primarily reserved for researchers. Excursions are organized throughout Heritage Days.
5 Rue de Lobau
7. The CNAM library
The CNAM (Conservatoire nationwide des arts et métiers) library is undoubtedly essentially the most shocking in Paris! Housed within the former refectory of the Saint-Martin-des-Champs priory, which dates again to the 1230s, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic structure.
Based after the French Revolution in 1792, the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers was assigned the priory buildings in 1794, and in 1852 the library moved into the previous refectory.
Can we go to it?
This library is open to the general public one Saturday a month at no cost guided excursions, which require reservations on the CNAM web site.
292 Saint-Martin Road
The Most Shocking Library in Paris!
8. The Library of the Cour des comptes
The Seguin Gallery on the Palais Cambon, often known as the Library Gallery, is an impressive house that includes oak paneling and spiral staircases.
On the ceiling, a contemporary fresco was created by the artist Bernar Venet to mark the Court docket’s bicentennial in 2007.
Can we go to it?
Excursions are organized throughout Heritage Days.
📍 13 rue Cambon
Go to of the Cour des comptes
9. The Mazarine Library
Based within the seventeenth century by Cardinal Mazarin, the Mazarine Library is the oldest public library in France. Housed within the Palace of the Institut de France, it holds almost 600,000 paperwork, in addition to quite a few manuscripts, incunabula, and uncommon books.
Its spectacular studying room, with its vintage wooden paneling, makes it some of the stunning libraries in Paris.
Can we go to it?
The Mazarine Library is open for self-guided excursions Monday by way of Saturday from 10 a.m. to six p.m. Free guided excursions are additionally out there; registration is required on the library’s web site.
📍 23 quai de Conti
10. The Sainte-Geneviève Library
It’s not possible to speak about essentially the most stunning libraries in Paris with out mentioning the Sainte-Geneviève Library. Designed by Henri Labrouste (the identical architect who designed the INHA Library), it’s a world-renowned instance of metal structure.
Its massive studying room, greater than eighty meters lengthy, is known for its two immense vaults supported by slender cast-iron columns. College students from all around the Paris area nonetheless come right here to review right this moment.
Can we go to it?
Guided excursions are supplied frequently; reservations will be made on the affluences.com web site.
10 Place du Panthéon
What’s your favourite library?
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