Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal

Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal is a Paris library whose architecture belongs to the historic Arsenal complex. Its origins lie in Marc-René d'Argenson's private library. The collection grew inside the Arsenal of Paris, a complex founded under François I and reshaped by Sully and Germain Boffrand. The library became public during the French Revolution. Charles Nodier later hosted literary salons there, while the holdings turned toward French literature, especially drama. French drama became a lasting focus of the collection. The shelves preserve medieval manuscripts, prints, maps, plans, and French works spanning the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. The Bastille archives form a major collection. Other holdings include papers linked with Prosper Enfantin, Louis-Sébastien Mercier, José-Maria de Heredia, and parliamentary archives. Occult manuscripts add another distinctive layer to the holdings. These materials include The Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin, Book of the Penitence of Adam, and the Grimoire of Armadel. Research readers use the library's reading rooms. Exhibitions, conferences, and concerts connect the collections with the cultural life of the Arsenal.