Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze

About

The Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze (BNCF) is a significant cultural institution in Florence, Italy, known for its rich history and architectural beauty. Founded in 1714 from the collection of Antonio Magliabechi, it originally housed about 30,000 volumes. Over time, it expanded to include the Biblioteca Palatina in 1861 and was renamed the National Central Library in 1885. The library's holdings are vast, including over six million books and numerous manuscripts. Located along the Arno River, the BNCF is housed in a building designed by Cesare Bazzani and V. Mazzei, completed in 1935. Despite suffering damage from the 1966 flood, the library remains a crucial repository of Italian publications and manuscripts, including the Galilean collection. It serves as a hub for the National Library System and publishes the Bibliografia Nazionale Italiana. The library's exterior features notable sculptures, such as a statue of Galileo Galilei, symbolizing its commitment to science and knowledge.