The 15-year renovation of the National Library of France in Paris is now complete. Everyone who appreciates beautiful interiors and books can visit the main hall.
The French “National” is a 19th-century building, a stunning example of the Beaux-Arts style that emerged as a counterpoint to the neo-Gothic fascination of that era. Designed by Henri Labrouste, this architect also created the Sainte-Geneviève Library in Paris in the mid-19th century. The hall of the National Library, occupied by the National Institute of Art History (INHA), is named after Labrouste. This space was restored through a rather conservative project, and entry for the general public is restricted.
Although the National Library’s book storage has never been a historical monument, the specialists from Bruno Gaudin Architectes preserved the poetic essence of the place, even in the “warehouse” areas. Additionally, on the second floor, they introduced a glass corridor with a glass floor, leading to the exhibition of coins, medals, and antiques.
The most intriguing aspect for visitors is the renovated and transformed Oval Hall. Here, curious minds can immerse themselves among the volumes and media materials, appreciating the perfection of the new lighting. It’s also a great spot for coworking. From the Oval Hall, you can access the new library museum, housing about 900 exhibits. Among the sculptures and photographs, there are invaluable items for book lovers, such as manuscripts by Victor Hugo and Marcel Proust.
The library’s storage contains around 22 million books, documents, and other objects. Interestingly, the library remained open to visitors during the renovation. The project authors simply altered the navigation routes through the building in two phases.