BnF Museum, Numismatic museum at Site Richelieu-Louvois, Paris, France
The Cabinet des Médailles is a numismatic collection within the French National Library, holding over 500,000 objects from different eras and cultures. The display includes ancient coins, medals, and archaeological finds arranged in exhibition rooms.
The collection began in 1560 from royal holdings, documenting an early French passion for coin collecting. It moved to the former Cardinal Mazarin's palace in 1721, where it remains today.
The collection displays coins and medals from different cultures and times, showing how people conducted trade and honored their rulers. You can see how the images on coins changed over centuries and which symbols mattered to different societies.
Allow time to explore the rooms, as the collection is large with many details to examine. The museum spaces are open on regular days, and signs guide you through the galleries.
Works in the main gallery rotate every four months for conservation, meaning you see different pieces on each visit. This rotation system protects valuable objects from light exposure and wear.
Location: 2nd arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1560
Official opening: 1560
Part of: Bibliothèque nationale de France
Phone: +33147038340
Website: https://bnf.fr/fr/departement-monnaies-medailles-antiques
GPS coordinates: 48.86780,2.33840
Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41
Galerie Vivienne
159 m
Le Grand Véfour
178 m
Library of the National Institute of History of Art
58 m
Galerie Colbert
129 m
Square Louvois
63 m
Hôtel de Nevers
45 m
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Richelieu
58 m
Hôtel Tubeuf
129 m
Musée de la BnF
47 m
Town hall of Paris 2nd arrondissement
139 m
Fontaine Louvois
63 m
Hôtel Colbert de Torcy
129 m
Passage de Beaujolais
172 m
Fontaine Colbert
48 m
École Nationale des Chartes' library
136 m
Dying Eurydice
124 m
PA_1058
171 m
Le Mercure galant
162 m
Jardin Vivienne
82 m
Immeuble, 67 rue Sainte-Anne
153 m
Hôtel Desmarets
112 m
Salle Labrouste
65 m
Salle Ovale
45 m
Immeuble, 69 rue Sainte-Anne
72 m
Immeuble, 71 rue Sainte-Anne
161 m
4 rue de Louvois, Paris
69 m
6 rue Colbert
56 m
Rotunda of the Galerie Colbert
121 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes