BnF François Mitterrand
Architectural masterpiece by Dominique Perrault on the banks of the Seine. Four towers shaped like open books, a secret forest garden and exceptional exhibitions.
A monument to knowledge on the banks of the Seine
Opened in 1996, the François Mitterrand site of the National Library of France is one of contemporary Paris’s most iconic buildings. Designed by architect Dominique Perrault, it is distinguished by four 79-metre glass towers shaped like open books, surrounding a forest garden of Scots pines that is closed to the public.
With more than 40 million documents, including 15 million books, it is the largest French-speaking library in the world. The wooden esplanade offers a spectacular walk with views over the Seine, while the landscaped riverbanks below have become a must-visit destination in the 13th arrondissement.
From a presidential project to a temple of knowledge
On 14 July 1988, President François Mitterrand announced the construction of “a very large library of an entirely new kind”. One of the president’s Grand Projects, it aimed to modernise access to France’s written heritage. An international architecture competition was launched: 244 projects were submitted, and the young architect Dominique Perrault, then 36, won the competition.
Construction began in 1990 on a former railway site in the Paris Rive Gauche development zone. The vast project employed 3,000 workers for six years. The four towers, symbolising an open book, were named the Tower of Times, Tower of Laws, Tower of Numbers and Tower of Letters. The central garden, planted with century-old pines transplanted from the Forêt de Bord in Normandy, creates a secret forest at the heart of the building.
Opened to the public on 20 December 1996, the BnF François Mitterrand became a catalyst for the transformation of the Paris Rive Gauche district. A new neighbourhood grew around it: universities, floating cinemas, restaurants, cultural barges and the Simone de Beauvoir footbridge linking the two banks.
The highlights
Reading rooms
The Haut-de-jardin welcomes all readers over 16 with themed rooms for literature, science, art and the press. There are 1,600 seats, free Wi-Fi and a collection of 350,000 books available on open shelves. The studious atmosphere and the interior architecture of wood and metal are a delight.
The forest garden
At the centre of the building, a 12,000 m² garden planted with tall Scots pines transplanted from Normandy creates a unique ecosystem. Closed to the public, this secret forest can be seen from the reading rooms and esplanade, offering a striking natural spectacle in the heart of Paris.
Temporary exhibitions
All year round, the BnF presents exceptional exhibitions drawn from its collections: medieval manuscripts, photographs, historic maps and Japanese prints. Treasures usually kept in storage are revealed to the public in carefully designed displays.
The Seine riverbanks
Below the library, the landscaped banks offer a lively walk beside the water. Pétanque courts, outdoor terraces, barges and the magnificent Simone de Beauvoir footbridge make this one of the most pleasant places to spend an afternoon in eastern Paris.
Plan your visit
Opening hours
Tue–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 1pm–7pm. Closed Mondays.
Getting there
Bibliothèque François Mitterrand metro (line 14) or buses 62, 89 and 132.
Admission
Haut-de-jardin: €3.90/day. Exhibitions: free to €12. Under 26s: free.
Our recommendations
BnF François Mitterrand
Quai François Mauriac
National libraryMK2 Bibliothèque
128 quai de la Gare
Multiplex cinemaWanderlust
32 quai d'Austerlitz
Bar & cultureLe Flow
Port de la Gare
Barge restaurantLa Felicità
5 parvis Alan Turing
Large food hallJardin des berges
Berge de Seine
Walk & relaxationStay near the BnF
Hôtel Inn Design is a 12-minute walk from the National Library. Book your stay and explore this vibrant neighbourhood.
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