The Nuit des Musées 2025 offers a unique opportunity to discover, free of charge, the sublime museum of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), located on its historic site in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. This Saturday, May 17, 2025, you can explore the listed architectural spaces and admire heritage treasures, while enjoying the exceptional opening of the Salle Ovale, a large public reading room.
In the heart of Paris's 2nd arrondissement, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, site Richelieu, stands as a monument to knowledge and history. This emblematic site, which has been open to the public since its renovation was completed in 2021, invites us to explore not only its priceless collection of documents, but also its little-known museum, which tells the story of the library and its treasures.
The BNF Richelieu, just a stone's throw from the Palais Royal, is an architectural masterpiece housing historic reading rooms, exhibition galleries and the Cabinet des Médailles museum. The latter offers a fascinating dive into the history of France and its writings, presenting rare items such as medieval manuscripts, incunabula and precious documents that have survived the centuries.
The museum, often considered a hidden treasure within the BNF Richelieu, is distinguished by its unique collection of coins, medals and antiquities. Among the most remarkable pieces is the Trésor de Berthouville, a spectacular collection of silver objects dedicated to the cult of Mercury, discovered in Normandy in 1830. This museum offers a unique perspective on the history of art and numismatics, enriching a visit to the library with an unexpected historical and artistic dimension.
BnF Richelieu, the historic home of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and its museum
The Richelieu site, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is the historic birthplace of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which has housed collections of royal documents since 1721. A historic site, recently modernized, accessible to all! [Read more]
The architecture of the Richelieu site is itself a page in history. From the majestic Galerie Mazarine to the recently renovated Salle Ovale, each space reveals decorative and architectural elements that bear witness to the eras through which this institution has passed. A visit to the BNF Richelieu is therefore also an architectural exploration, where each corridor and room reveals a part of the history of Paris and France.
A night at the BnF Museum - Richelieu
For the Nuit des Musées, the BnF is opening the doors of its museum on its historic site in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, free of charge. It's an opportunity to explore listed architectural spaces, admire heritage treasures and visit the Salle Ovale.
The proposed itinerary takes in some of the most sumptuous listed spaces on the Richelieu site, recently reopened to the public after twelve years of renovation.
Accompanied by BnF curators and departmental collection managers, visitors can admire remarkable works from collections built up over the centuries by the great figures of French history: Dagobert's throne, Charlemagne's chessboard, gold medals commissioned by Louis XIV, painted decorations by Boucher and Natoire, and many other treasures, as well as works by Barthélémy Togo, guest artist for the 2024-2025 season's theme, "le monde pour horizon".
The Salle Ovale is also part of the event, where visitors can wander freely and consult works from France's largest comic strip collection.
Free admission subject to availability - from 6:30pm - last admission: 10:00pm
Access via the Vivienne garden - 5, rue Vivienne 75002 Paris
Further information: www.bnf.fr
Don't miss this unique cultural experience during the Nuit des Musées 2024 at the BnF. It's a great way to discover the hidden treasures of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the magnificent Salle Ovale.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 17, 2025
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.bnf.fr
BnF Richelieu, the historic home of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and its museum
