A Landmark of Iron and Light
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is located in the Latin Quarter in front of the Panthéon, and it is known for its remarkable architecture. Beneath the two gigantic vaults and large, impressive windows designed by Henri Labrouste, built between 1843 and 1850, the light inside is beautiful, with over 700 seats available for readers.”
Inside the Library
This stunning exposed structure houses more than 2 million documents. Inside the building, you can also spot busts of many great thinkers and intellectuals, or take some time in the reserve to admire a gallery of portraits of the kings of France, as well as a cabinet of curiosities filled with beautiful and surprising objects.
A Pioneering Building
The library was the first building in France designed specifically and exclusively to be a library, rather than an extension of a palace, abbey, or school. Its collections trace back to the abbey of Sainte-Geneviève, founded in the 6th century by Clovis. Past readers have included naturalist Georges Cuvier, historian Jules Michelet, and Victor Hugo.
Visiting
Access to the reading rooms is free, though registration is required for anyone over 18 or holding a baccalauréat. The library is open to the public, not just students.