Bibliothèque nationale de France

The National Library of France, the site François Mitterrand, was conceived and designed by French architect, Dominique Perrault. The four towers are made of glass and steel, and symbolise four large open books. In the middle of the towers lies a large tree garden of Sylvester pines. This magnificent oasis is unfortunately not open to the public. It is visible from inside the library and adds a touch of tranquility to this stoic monument.  

Inside the library, all is calm and students have access to an extraordinarily rich collection of rare books and important documents, not to mention the film and video archives. Visitors can take advantage of the exhibitions to see inside the library, and take a quick look at the 17th-century Coronelli Globes at the same time.

On the outside, activity is all around. Skaters and cyclists perform their acrobatic figures to the delight of the crowds. From the Bercy Park, families take the Simone de Beauvoir footbridge to cross the Seine into the new area of Tolbiac. The contemporary architecture of this neighbourhood contrasts to the ancient Parisian buildings. At nightfall, the Parisians hustle from one place to another to take in a film at the MK2 cinemas or dance on board the houseboats transformed into night clubs along the Seine. .

Accessibility

Access for disabled visitors arriving by vehicle at the staff car park on the Quai François Mauriac, on presentation of justifying documentation.
Auditoriums and reception desks in the East Hall fitted with induction loops.
"Introduction to the library" area, East Hall, including subtitled videos.
Lectures subtitled and interpreted in French sign language (See cultural programme at www.bnf.fr).