French National Library

The history of the National Library begins with the XIV century. Under Charles V, the Royal Library opened in the Louvre. In total, it collected 1,200 manuscripts, which eventually disappeared somewhere. King Louis XI had to start all over again. His undertakings were continued by Francis I, who ordered to send to the library a copy of the books published daily by the printing house of Paris.

In 1554 a decent collection was assembled. Leaving the capital of France, Francis took her out of the Louvre. Under Louis XIV, the library returned to its place and became public. After the French Revolution, it became National.

The library is located in a building of the XVII century, which was built by architect François Mansard. Until 1854, it was the private property of Cardinal Mazarin. Then the building was expanded and given to the library. Now in the building of Mansara is stored one of the most valuable parts of the National collection of copies - the Cabinet of medals and manuscripts. Other exhibits are located elsewhere in the 13th arrondissement of Paris.