Bibliothèque nationale de France

The Bibliothèque Nationale de France is a major national library and knowledge center. Its origins date back to the fourteenth century with the private collection of Charles V in the Louvre. Over time, the collection moved and expanded, with a decisive growth under Francis I, who introduced legal deposit in 1537.

Since the eighteenth century, the library has been open to the public and continually expanded. After the French Revolution, it acquired many new manuscripts and books. In 1995, the modern main building on the Seine was opened, known for its four glass towers.

The library now holds more than 12 million works, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, and music. It serves as a national archive, research center, and cultural monument.