Three million stories. That’s what the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal holds. Right here before you stands this magnificent building a testament to Portuguese history and culture.
Established on February 29 1796 as the Royal Public Library of the Court it defied the norms of its time. The library didn’t restrict access to just scholars and sages. Instead it opened its doors to the general public a radical concept for its era. The library’s collection initially consisted of the royal court’s treasures. These included manuscripts paintings and of course books.
Following the Portuguese Civil War and the abolition of religious orders in 1834 the library was renamed the National Library of Lisbon. It received massive additions. The libraries of numerous monasteries and convents were integrated into its collection. This influx of materials required a larger space. The library moved to the Convento de São Francisco in the Chiado area.
For over 130 years it flourished in Chiado. There were periods of modernisation and growth but also times of stagnation. The 19th century saw significant efforts to organise the collections. Bibliographic exhibitions were held and detailed catalogues were published. The proclamation of the Republic in 1910 brought another wave of acquisitions. Libraries from recently abolished religious institutions were incorporated.
Between 1920 and 1926 a significant leap forward occurred in library science. The library thrived due to a dynamic group called the Library Group. The continuous growth necessitated a purpose-built home. Construction began in 1958 designed by architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro. The library moved to its current location in Campo Grande in 1969.
The 1980s marked the beginning of computerisation. This was part of a broader project to modernise all of Portugal’s libraries. This led to the creation of PORBASE the National Bibliographic Database. The Biblioteca Nacional continued to expand. A significant addition was the Archive of Writers’ Personal Papers. This included the papers of major literary figures like Fernando Pessoa. José Saramago and Eça de Queirós are just a few.
The Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal embraces digitisation. The Biblioteca Nacional Digital was created. This digital library constantly expands. It collaborates with other European institutions.
In 2007 it was officially renamed the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal. It continues its mission to collect preserve and promote Portugal’s rich literary heritage for everyone to enjoy. It strives to modernise and improve services for the public researchers and publishers. Today the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal stands as a symbol of learning and national pride. Its vast collection invites us to explore its boundless stories. They wait to be discovered within these walls.