Bibliothèque Nationale de France I

BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONALE DE FRANCE
Paris, France – 2016

The Oval Room in the National Library of France houses over 20’000 publications among its arches and stands as a symbol of the library's Richelieu location. The grand scale of the room impresses on entering; the oval measures 43.7m by 32.8m and is 18 metres tall. Light dances through the glass roof, creating an airy, inspiring reading space.

History is embedded in the architecture, with the names of historic towns inscribed on its oculi. Lovingly restored in 2016, the work was funded by over 2700 donors, highlighting its importance to the people of France. The four floors of bookshelves highlight the knowledge held in this centre of learning; encircled by the ornate metal balconies, the feeling of space remains.

Christian Voigt captures this icon of French culture in subdued lighting during the evening, creating a sense of security and a reverence for learning.
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