Nestled in the heart of the Marais, the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris (BHVP) is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture, dedicated to the rich and multifaceted history of Paris and the Île-de-France region. Housed since 1969 in the elegant Hôtel d’Angoulême-Lamoignon — one of the oldest private mansions in Paris — this specialized public library invites curious minds, researchers, and history lovers to explore the city’s past in all its depth and diversity.
A Jewel of the Renaissance
The library occupies the Hôtel Lamoignon, an architectural gem dating back to the late 16th century. Initially built for Diane de France, the daughter of King Henri II, and later owned by the illustrious Lamoignon family, the mansion has been a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and statesmen for centuries. Its Renaissance façades, mythological motifs, and stately courtyard speak volumes of Parisian elegance and historic grandeur.
In 1937, the building was declared a historic monument, and following decades of restoration, it was transformed into a sanctuary for Parisian memory — a place where past and present meet under vaulted ceilings and among ancient manuscripts.
A Legacy of Knowledge
The origins of the BHVP date back to 1763 when Antoine Moriau, a passionate collector and city prosecutor, donated his private collection to the City of Paris. This act gave birth to the city’s first public library. Though its original collections were tragically lost in the fire that consumed the Hôtel de Ville during the Paris Commune in 1871, the library rose from the ashes thanks to the vision and generosity of bibliophile Jules Cousin.
Today, the BHVP holds more than 2 million documents, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, drawings, posters, and archives. These materials cover not only the urban, political, and cultural history of Paris, but also encompass rich collections on theatre, literature, and feminist history, including the archives of the Association de la Régie Théâtrale, and documents related to George Sand, Guillaume Apollinaire, and Marie-Louise Bouglé, among many others.
Collections & Research
Visitors can explore:
- 300,000 printed volumes, from incunables to contemporary works
- 20,000 manuscripts, from medieval texts to 20th-century papers
- 500,000 photographs, capturing everything from 19th-century boulevards to post-war Paris
- 15,000 maps and plans, charting the evolution of the city
- 80,000 posters and 200,000 postcards, reflecting Parisian culture and daily life
- Rare drawings, engravings, and ephemeral documents related to events, people, and places that have shaped Paris
A Place for All
The BHVP welcomes all adult visitors with valid identification. Whether you’re a professional researcher or simply passionate about Paris, the reading rooms offer a quiet and inspiring atmosphere to delve into the city’s layered history.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Accessibility
The BHVP is located within an enhanced accessibility district (QAA). Wheelchair access is provided via the Lamoignon-Mark Ashton Garden at 25 rue des Francs-Bourgeois.
Amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restrooms
- Beverage vending machines
- A defibrillator
- (Note: No baby changing station or animal admission)
Exhibitions & Events
The library is not just a space for study — it’s also a vibrant cultural venue. Regular exhibitions, lectures, and special events bring the collections to life. Recent highlights include:
- “The Germans of Paris: A Forgotten Immigration” (exhibition)
- “Writers at War” (conference)
- “Bouquinistes: On the Seine in Paris”
- “Paris en Jeux”: A celebration of sports and the city
You can also take a 360° virtual tour of the library here.