Bibliothèque nationale de France, François-Mitterrand

France's national library. The upper-garden public library is open to all; the garden-level research library holds the specialist collections.

Type

Library

Format

In person

Who can use it

Public library: anyone aged 14 or over. Research library: aged 18 or over with a research pass.

Reader card or guest pass

Third-year undergraduates, master's and doctoral students and academics can register directly for the research library; others explain their project in a short interview.

Before your first visit

ID. Passes bought online are collected at the François-Mitterrand reception desk.

Buddhist and language collections

Research collections, including Asian manuscripts at the BnF's Richelieu site

Independent listing by Dharma Jobs, not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution. Last checked October 2026. Admission rules, fees and opening hours change, so always confirm with them before you visit.