The story of a library typically unfolds as a quiet narrative of gradual accumulation. In contrast, the narrative of the National and University Library of Strasbourg (BNU) commences with a siege and a void. In 1870, the city’s previous library was consumed by fire during the Prussian bombardment, its priceless collections—including irreplaceable medieval manuscripts—turned to smoke and ash. From this profound intellectual wound, a new institution was born, not organically, but by decree. Established on June 19, 1872, by the German Empire, it was a direct consequence of the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent annexation of Alsace-Lorraine.

This was conceived as far more than an ordinary collection of books. From its inception, the BNU was intended as a powerful political tool for the Germanization of the region and a potent symbol of German culture and learning. Its architectural grandeur was a deliberate statement of imperial power.

Entrusted to the German architects August Hartel and Skjold Neckelmann, the library’s monumental main building was inaugurated in 1895 on the Place de la République. The imposing facade and grand reading room, prime examples of Wilhelminian architecture, reflect this dual purpose. The building’s scale and ornamentation were designed not only to impress but also to embody its dual role: serving as a university library for the University of Strasbourg while functioning as a "national library" for the region.

This foundational identity has shaped the library into a living historical testament. The BNU holds the unique distinction of being the only French library to combine these functions. Consequently, it stands as a powerful symbol of the region's complex, cross-cultural identity, a truth defined by its politically charged origins and enduring duality.