The Richelieu site of the BNF

Line 3: Bourse

Lines 7 and 14 Pyramids

Lines 7 and 1 Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre

The Richelieu site is a heritage site and a historic cradle of the National Library of France (BNF). In addition, being a center for researchers in art history and heritage, it is open to all. The architectural spaces, cultural events, exhibitions and the museum are open to visitors.

However, it is advisable to reserve your place at the exhibitions and at the museum.

History of the Richelieu site

This place is the former palace of Cardinal Mazarin. Since the 17th century, it has been a center of research and culture where you can discover French history, culture and art. The Heritage is a real treasure built up since medieval times by the kings of France.

Since the start of the 2022 school year, the site has been fully open again after more than ten years of renovation and transformation. The architects V. Brégal and B. Gaudin redesigned the building in its entirety, creating harmony and ambition.

The Paper Garden

Architect Mirabelle Croizier designed a 1,900 m2 green space with landscape architect Antoine Quenardel and gardener Gilles Clément. This green space is called “Hortus papyrifer” which means Paper Garden in connection with the heritage of the site richelieu, it becomes a continuation in plant form. The plants have been chosen meticulously, these can be used as a support for writing or printing like the famous papyrus.

The Richelieu site is the ideal place to study at the library, visit the grandeur of the place, learn about history, admire the site’s heritage and contemplate an atypical garden. So if you come to discover Paris, do not forget to go through the Richelieu site of the BNF!