Bibliothèque Mazarine, Public library in Palais de l'Institut de France, Paris, France
The Bibliothèque Mazarine is a library housed within the Palais de l'Institut de France, spreading across multiple rooms with tall wooden shelves and ornate architectural details from the 17th century. The spaces display the layout of a classical scholar's library, with books arranged on two levels of shelving along the walls.
This library was established in 1643 by Cardinal Mazarin, who initially collected books from Rome before expanding the collection into the largest private library in Europe at that time. Following his death, the collection became open to the public and remained an important learning center for centuries.
The library carries the name of Cardinal Mazarin, who assembled the collection and left it as his legacy to the public. Today this personal touch remains visible in how the books are organized and displayed throughout the rooms.
Visiting requires advance registration, as this operates as a specialized research center rather than a standard public museum. It is wise to check opening hours and access requirements before visiting, since conditions are more restricted than at most cultural venues.
The collection holds rare works including a Gutenberg Bible and other early printed books that are seldom gathered in one location. These precious items reveal how important it was to Cardinal Mazarin to possess the most valuable texts of his era.
Location: 6th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1643
Founders: Cardinal Mazarin
Part of: Palais de l'Institut de France
Address: 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00 ; August 1-15 off
Phone: +33144414406
Email: contact@bibliotheque-mazarine.fr
Website: http://bibliotheque-mazarine.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.85727,2.33736
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest parts of Paris and preserves traces from over two thousand years of history. Roman remains like the Arènes de Lutèce recall the ancient settlement of Lutetia, while medieval churches such as Saint-Étienne-du-Mont and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre document the religious past. The Sorbonne and the Collège de France have made the district a center of learning since the Middle Ages, and institutions like the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève continue this academic tradition. The Musée de l'Histoire de la Médecine traces the development of medicine, the Musée Curie honors the scientific discoveries of Marie and Pierre Curie, and the Musée des Arts du Moyen Âge displays medieval art within the ruins of Roman baths. Narrow streets lead to squares like Place de la Contrescarpe and Place de l'Estrapade, where locals gather in cafés and markets. The Marché de la Rue Mouffetard is one of the city's oldest street markets and offers fresh produce daily. Literary and artistic traces appear at the Maison de Serge Gainsbourg, the historic jazz cellar Le Caveau de la Huchette, and cafés like Le Procope, which has welcomed writers and thinkers since the 17th century. The Jardin des Plantes combines botanical collections with the Musée de Minéralogie, while the Square René-Viviani provides a quiet view of Notre-Dame with its ancient tree. The Grande Mosquée de Paris and the Institut du Monde Arabe add North African and Arab perspectives to the cultural offerings.
Pont des Arts
122 m
Académie des beaux-arts
35 m
Hôtel de la Monnaie
144 m
Quai de Conti
61 m
Quai Malaquais
169 m
Musée de la Monnaie de Paris
148 m
Square Gabriel-Pierné
61 m
Pont des Arts
150 m
Petit Hôtel de Guénégaud
113 m
La République
118 m
Square Honoré-Champion
83 m
Hôtel de Transylvanie
173 m
Fontaine du Marché-aux-Carmes
59 m
Emperor Napoleon
35 m
Place de l'Institut
35 m
Palais de l'Institut de France
31 m
Bibliothèque de l'Institut de France
33 m
Chapel of Collège des Quatre-Nations
42 m
Hôtel de Garsaulan
124 m
Hôtel de Saxe
110 m
Hôtel Sillery-Genlis
60 m
7-9 rue Mazarine, Paris
170 m
7 rue Bonaparte, Paris
173 m
9 rue Bonaparte, Paris
182 m
6-8 rue de Seine
77 m
Immeuble, 1 rue Jacques-Callot
168 m
11 rue Mazarine, Paris
189 m
5 rue Bonaparte, Paris
144 mReviews
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