Library
La Bibliothèque d'architecture contemporaine Jean-Louis Cohen
Open to the public, the library (1300 m2) has an extensive collection devoted to contemporary architecture, urbanism and landscaping. Its holdings include 55,000 books, 500 journal titles and many documentary films and digital resources (digital library databases, etc.).
Anyone interested in the field will find here a unique collection that keeps abreast of current developments.
Continual monitoring of international publications allows the library to make acquisitions with the broadest possible geographic and linguistic reach.
The library also acts as a resource centre, informing and directing the public to other institutions for pre-20th-century periods.
Access and use
Access to the library is free. It is open to professionals and students in the field as well as researchers who can demonstrate a need to consult the collections. Entry is subject to the number of available places.
Visitors must show their student card, a professional card or proof of identity.
The library is not open to secondary school students and students in other fields (economics, management, law, medicine, math, etc.).
The materials are non-circulating and freely accessible on the library shelves. Trolleys are available to return the documents when users are finished with them.
The collection
In an area of 1300 m2, the library provides access to 55, 000 books in a variety of fields.
In the catalogue, every book title has a location code and a call number, indicated in red. These allow users to find the book on the shelves.
The library also has 500 journal titles, including 200 subscriptions. The journals are located in a dedicated area. They are arranged alphabetically by title and then each title chronologically. Current issues are available on separate shelves in storage holders. The shelf life of journals varies by title, so users should check the catalogue before coming to make sure that a specific issue of the journal is available.
The library also has audiovisual material: documentary films, architecture-related fiction films and recordings of conferences.
Digital resources (digital library, databases) are available for consultation on site or remotely through the documentary portal. The Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals database is available only at the library.
Finding material
The library catalogue can be searched here.
Users can find the references for material available at the library. Searches can be extended to other sources, such as specialised databases.
On site, librarians are there to help visitors find what they are looking for.
For remote information or guidance, the librarians can be contacted at any time by email at bibliotheque@citedelarchitecture.fr
Information
Access via 1 place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre. Paris 16th. Metro Trocadero or Iena.
Tel : 00 33 6 83 62 65 10 (sms only)
Email : bibliotheque@citedelarchitecture.fr
HOURS JULY 2025
Monday : 11am-7pm
Tuesday : closed
Wednesday : 11am-7pm
Thursday : 11am-9pm
Friday : 11am-7pm
Saturday : closed
Sunday : closed
The library is evacuated 15 minutes before closing time.
Closed on January 1, Mai 1, July 14 and December 25.
Closed on week-ends in July. Summer closure from August 1 to August 31 included.
ACCESS CONDITIONS
The library is accessible free of charge. Its access is reserved to professionals and students in the field as well as to persons justifying a need to use the collections, within the limit of available places (100 work places).
Depending on their status, visitors must present a student card (compulsory for students), a professional card or an identity document at reception.
Attention : students from other disciplines (economics, management, law, medicine, maths, etc.) do not have access to the library.
