Journées du Patrimoine 2025: visit the BNF Richelieu historic site in Paris

For the Journées du Patrimoine 2025, we're taking to the streets of the capital to discover ancient monuments and free exhibitions, but also to conquer places that are usually inaccessible to the public and little-known spots.

If you're a keen reader or a lover of fine architecture, here's a not-to-be-missed opportunity to discover our cultural heritage in a whole new way! On the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, the Richelieu site of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France will be unveiling its program and treasures for the 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine.

• To be read
• This Week’s Best Deals in Paris and Île-de-France, December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026

The Richelieu site reopened to the public after twelve years of renovation work in 2022, during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). This historic site is sure to delight young and old alike, thanks to the sublime rooms of its library and museum. In all, 300 years of history and knowledge are on display. The Salle Ovale, the Galerie Mazarin, the Jardin Vivienne and all the other treasures of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France are just waiting to be revived!

Journées du Patrimoine 2025: events in Paris libraries and archives
During the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris, libraries and archives will be revealing their secrets this weekend, September 20 and 21, 2025. Come and discover these architectural gems and their treasures! [Read more]

Journées du Patrimoine 2025: architectural treasures to explore in Paris and the Île-de-France region
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) take place this weekend, September 20 and 21, 2025, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. For architecture fans, this is your chance to discover the secrets of the most surprising monuments in the Paris region through architectural tours! [Read more]

The program of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 at the Site Richelieu of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France :

• Visit to the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) - Site Richelieu
  Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 10:00 ⤏ 18:00 | Sunday, September 21, 2025 - 10:00 ⤏ 18:00
  

  Discover the historic birthplace of the BnF and travel through centuries of French architecture and cultural history as you stroll through Cardinal Mazarin's former palace. Explore the listed areas of the Richelieu site - from the Vivienne garden to the Mazarin gallery, via the majestic Salle Ovale and the emblematic Salle Labrouste of the Institut National de l'Histoire de l'Art (with its central store) - as well as all the museum's rooms (discovering the historical treasures held at the BnF since the Middle Ages, from ancient jewelry to contemporary stage costumes, from manuscripts by the great French authors to Dagobert's throne) and two reading rooms usually reserved for researchers.

  During your visit, come and meet the BnF's craftsmen (presentation of the restoration and conservation workshops) and visit the _**Impressions nabies**_ exhibition free of charge.