La bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Public research library in Latin Quarter, Paris, France.
Sainte-Geneviève is a public research library in the Latin Quarter housing two million documents in a building completed in 1851. The interior features a grand reading room supported by iron columns and arches that span the entire upper floor.
The collection began with the Abbey of Saint Genevieve, founded by King Clovis I in the 6th century. The current building was completed in 1851 and became an important turning point in 19th-century library design.
The reading room was designed by architect Henri Labrouste and shows how iron and steel entered classical building design in the 19th century. Visitors can experience firsthand the connection between industrial materials and traditional architecture here.
The library is located at Place du Panthéon and opens from Monday through Saturday. Advance registration is required before your visit to gain access.
The façade displays 810 author names arranged chronologically, representing different fields of knowledge from ancient times through the mid-19th century. This selection reflects the values and interests of the era when the building was constructed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
