Richelieu National Library - Oval Room

If you happen to be a bookworm like me, this is heaven!

I visited the Richelieu Library which reopened recently after its massive renovation. The collection of "all things printed" was started in the second half of the 1300s by King Charles V. Among the other rulers that greatly contributed are Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV and Ministers like Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin.

The Library is actually located in what used to be partly known as Palais Mazarin.

Throughout four centuries, this site was the property of several members of nobility, the most notorious being Cardinal Mazarin, and over twenty architects have contributed to build, expand or transform the architecture.

The oval room was conceived in 1897 and finished some 35 years later! This room houses 20,000 works. How do you like the 18 meter (54 feet) high skylight? Makes you want to go back to school and study! Or you could just do some research at the library!