The Nuit des Musées 2026 offers a unique opportunity to discover free of charge the sublime museum of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), housed on its historic site in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. This Saturday, May 23, 2026, you’ll be able to explore the architecturally significant spaces and admire heritage treasures, while taking advantage of the exceptional opening of the Oval Room, a grand public reading hall.
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.
On the occasion of the Night of Museums, the BnF opens its doors to the public for a free reveal of its museum, tucked into the heart of its historic site in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. An invitation to explore protected architectural spaces, to contemplate patrimonial treasures, and to amble freely through the Oval Hall, home to France’s largest comic-book collection.
Accompanied by curators and collection managers from the BnF’s various departments, visitors can admire emblematic works drawn from centuries-old collections built by major figures in French history: Dagobert’s throne, Charlemagne’s chessboard, gold medals commissioned by Louis XIV, the tapestry of paintings by Boucher and Natoire, among other treasures, as well as the exhibition “Cyprus at the BnF,” staged for Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Institut national d’histoire de l’art also joins the event for the first time. Its library, designed by architect Henri Labrouste, is unusually open at night, with free access or guided tours led by students of archaeology, art history and heritage. The route highlights the reading room’s artistic and decorative wealth: ornamental paintings, medallions gilded with gold leaf, monumental caryatids, artist busts, and the volume of the contemporary work Substrat by Dove Allouche.
Last entry: 10:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this unique cultural experience during the Nuit des Musées 2026 at the BnF. It’s a smart pick to uncover the hidden treasures of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the stunning salle Ovale.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
BnF - Richelieu site
58 rue de Richelieu
75002 Paris 2
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
