Strasbourg
Historic architecture and research hub

National and University Library of Strasbourg

Experience architectural history and research culture in the heart of Strasbourg.

HistoryArchitectureDesign

A major research library with a restored monumental building, heritage collections and public exhibitions. Visitors can use public spaces, see exhibitions and discover collections shaped by the city's French and German history.

A major research library with a restored monumental building, heritage collections and public exhibitions.

National and University Library of Strasbourg
About the National and University Library of Strasbourg

The National and University Library of Strasbourg serves as a major research institution housed within a restored monumental building. Visitors can explore a significant collection shaped by the city's unique French and German history through public exhibitions and written heritage displays. The experience focuses on library architecture and cultural programming that connects the institution to the broader historical identity of the region.

Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
National and University Library of Strasbourg opening hours in Strasbourg

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for National and University Library of Strasbourg. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Strasbourg.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-19:00
10:00-19:00
10:00-19:00
10:00-19:00
10:00-19:00
10:00-19:00
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Admission and Ticket Information

Access to the National and University Library of Strasbourg is structured around a varied programme of exhibitions and heritage displays. Visitors should note that the venue offers both free and paid entry opportunities, with specific conditions determined by individual event listings. It is recommended to check the official programme to confirm if a specific date or activity requires an admission fee.

Eligible free admission

Free

The programme contains both free and paid events; each dated listing controls admission.

Dated programme admission

Price not listed

The programme contains both free and paid events; each dated listing controls admission. Select the exact dated product in the official ticket channel; no unsupported universal amount is assigned.

Visitor amenities and accessibility

The National and University Library of Strasbourg provides a range of facilities for visitor comfort, including accessible toilets and elevators to ensure the building is wheelchair-friendly. Visitors can access limited Wi-Fi and may participate in scheduled building and heritage tours, though availability is conditional. Convenient public transport and bicycle parking are located within a short distance of the venue to support your arrival.

Public lifts

Available

Wheelchair-accessible library

Available

Cloakroom

Limited

Visitor toilets

Available
Family visits at the National and University Library of Strasbourg

The National and University Library of Strasbourg offers young-public workshops and guided discovery sessions tailored to heritage and art themes. Families can explore the venue through a dated programme of events, including creative sessions and tours. Specific age guidance and participation details are provided for each activity to help plan a visit.

Recommended age: Up to age 17

National and University Library of Strasbourg publishes workshops, guided discovery or young-public events for children and accompanying adults.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Young-public workshops
  • Guided discovery
  • Dated family programme
Museum pass access at the National and University Library of Strasbourg

Visitors to the National and University Library of Strasbourg can utilize specific museum passes to access exhibitions and collections. Depending on the pass held, admission may be included for both permanent and temporary displays, though some conditions or additional charges for certain activities might apply.

Location of the National and University Library of Strasbourg

The National and University Library of Strasbourg is situated on the historic Place de la République in the heart of the city. This central location places the research library and its monumental building near several other major cultural institutions, making it a natural stop for visitors exploring the rich heritage and public exhibitions of Strasbourg.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Place de la République 6

67070 Strasbourg

Centre, Grand Est, FR

Visitor Planning for the National and University Library of Strasbourg

Plan for a visit lasting 45 to 75 minutes to comfortably experience the National and University Library of Strasbourg. We recommend checking the official website to verify opening hours and book entries in advance, especially for scheduled events. Located at Place de la République in Strasbourg, the library is easily accessible by the city's extensive tram and bus network.

Visitor Planning for the National and University Library of Strasbourg

Exploring the National and University Library of Strasbourg

The National and University Library of Strasbourg serves as a landmark research institution housed within a restored, monumental building. Visitors encounter a unique environment where library architecture blends with extensive written heritage and public programming. The collections offer a lens into the city's complex French and German history, providing a profound cultural context. Guests can explore various public spaces or engage with rotating exhibitions that highlight the library's design. This site remains a vital component of the cultural life in Strasbourg.

Interior view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Top exhibition picks at National and University Library of Strasbourg
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Strasbourg
Discover high-interest exhibitions at National and University Library of Strasbourg, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Strasbourg.
Purple watercolor exhibition poster titled "Archéologie de l'Ouest Iranien" with a white brushstroke circle and partner logos including BNU Strasbourg and the Louvre.
From Sep 21, 2024

Archaeology of Western Iran Exhibition at Bnu Strasbourg

Discover 5,000 years of history through ancient artifacts.

Examine the archaeological legacy of Western Iran through pieces sourced from the Louvre and local institutional collections. The presentation spans three historical phases, highlighting the region's role as a vital crossroads for ancient societies.

Archaeology of Western Iran
Watercolor illustration in purple and ochre tones featuring a white geometric flower-of-life mandala overlaid on a sphere of patterned ceramics, flanked by column motifs.

Absolute Happiness and Bliss: The Ceramics of Susa at BNU Strasbourg

Medieval Iranian ceramic production on loan from the Louvre Museum.

Examine the technical sophistication and artistic inventiveness of artisanal production in medieval Susa. These historical ceramic pieces highlight the evolution of taste and social customs at a vibrant frontier between cultures.

Exhibition Details
Purple watercolor illustration of a tranquil library with an arched window, bookshelves, and a wooden table displaying a vintage portrait, a 1944 document, and a small book.

René Cassin: A Fighter for Peace Exhibition in Strasbourg

Commemorating the legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Discover the life and work of René Cassin, from his role in the Free France movement to his influence on international law. The display features personal artifacts and historical documents highlighting his dedication to defending human rights.

Exhibition Details

History of the National and University Library of Strasbourg

The National and University Library of Strasbourg was founded in 1871, emerging from the ruins of a fire that destroyed the city's previous municipal collection. The current monumental building on the Place de la République first opened in 1895 as a hallmark of German imperial urban planning. Following a significant transformation, the structure reopened in 2014, blending historic architecture with modern spaces to house a vast collection of *heritage manuscripts and research materials*.

  • Library rebuilt after the 1870 destruction

    1871Founding

    The institution was founded in 1871 after fire during the siege destroyed Strasbourg's municipal library and irreplaceable manuscripts. International donations and systematic acquisition rapidly created a new research collection for Alsace.

  • Wilhelmine library renewed

    1895-2014Renovation

    The monumental Place de la République building opened in 1895 as part of the German imperial city. A major twenty-first-century reconstruction inserted new reading and circulation spaces beneath the dome, reopening the library in 2014.

  • National and university heritage collections

    Collection

    The BNU combines a research library with major manuscript, papyrus, numismatic and regional heritage collections in its Place de la République building.

Strasbourg National and University Library FAQ

Curious about the best time to wander through the impressive National and University Library of Strasbourg or how to navigate your way here without getting lost? Explore our frequently asked questions to find everything you need to plan your visit with ease.

National and University Library of Strasbourg opening hours on weekends

On Saturdays, visiting hours are from 10:00 to 19:00, while the library is closed on Sundays.

What time does National and University Library of Strasbourg close?

National and University Library of Strasbourg closes at 19:00 from Monday through Saturday.

Does National and University Library of Strasbourg have special opening hours?

There are no listed special opening hours or closures available for National and University Library of Strasbourg.

What are the opening hours of National and University Library of Strasbourg?

National and University Library of Strasbourg is open from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 19:00. It is closed on Sundays.

Visitor tips for the National and University Library of Strasbourg

To fully enjoy your experience at the National and University Library of Strasbourg, plan to spend between 45 and 75 minutes exploring the collections and historic building. It is recommended to secure a reservation in advance for your visit to ensure a smoother experience. The library is fully accessible with public elevators and dedicated facilities like toilets, though visitors should note that cloakroom and Wi-Fi availability can be limited. If you are arriving by bicycle, public parking is available nearby on Avenue Victor Schoelcher. For those interested in deeper interpretation, heritage tours are occasionally available, so check the latest schedule to confirm details before you travel.

Visitor experience at the National and University Library of Strasbourg

The National and University Library of Strasbourg is well-suited for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and students who appreciate research-focused environments in Strasbourg. The venue offers a thoughtfully restored monumental building with heritage collections and exhibitions that provide insight into the city's unique French and German cultural history. Visitors can expect an experience centered on quiet observation, as the library provides accessible facilities including public lifts and visitor toilets to support an inclusive visit. With limited cloakroom and Wi-Fi access available, those planning their time should allow for a focused 45 to 75-minute exploration of the site's historical architecture and displays.

Visual Tour of the National and University Library

Explore the National and University Library of Strasbourg through a collection highlighting its grand monumental architecture and refined interiors. These images capture the blend of historical design and public spaces that define the visitor experience in Strasbourg. See the restored facade and atmospheric halls that house the library's vast written heritage.

Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Interior view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Interior view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Interior view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Representative view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
Exterior view of National and University Library of Strasbourg in Strasbourg.
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