19 Spectacular Libraries Around the World That You Have to Visit
With everything digitized, people have almost zero reason to visit a library. Libraries have certainly become underrated, if not neglected, because almost everything is accessible online.
But did you know that the greatest libraries in the world hold more than books? Libraries nowadays have become attractions to visit and offer more than just books.
Visit some of the most spectacular libraries in the world to appreciate their artistic and historical value. You can even pick up some good reads, too.
1. Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the biggest library in Ireland. It is divided into five main buildings: the Old Library which houses special collections and early printed books, the Hamilton Library, and the Lecky, Ussher and Berkeley Libraries.
The Trinity College Library holds the Kell collection, which is one of the most valuable manuscripts in Ireland. Upon entry, visitors are welcomed by an artistic masterpiece — the Long Room. With its wooden floors and bookcases, concave ceilings, and iron claddings, it is like being taken back to the 18th century.
2. Bodleian Library, Oxford, England
The Bodleian Library in Oxford is one of the 26 libraries servicing the University of Oxford. It is one of the oldest and most iconic libraries in Europe. The Bodleian, or “the Bod,” has been housing books for around 400 years and currently holds more than 13 million printed materials.
The Bod was also one of the filming locations of the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The columns in the interior halls add a sense of mystery and magic, making it perfect for the wizard movie. This library is one of the most intricately designed Oxford buildings that perfectly shows classical architecture.
3. Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China
Another one of the most uniquely designed libraries in the world is found in China. The Tianjin Binhai Library, also called “The Eye,” is both futuristic and sleek with its cascading bookshelves. It also has a luminous spherical auditorium at the center.
The clever design of terracing the shelves from floor to ceiling makes wise use of space. This way, the steps function as shelves and louvres that library-goers can use.
4. Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Royal Portuguese Reading Room in Rio de Janeiro is a brilliant blend and materialization of “royal” and “reading room.” Books and manuscripts are stacked on floor-to-ceiling shelves with jewel accents. Upon entering the library, people might react the way Belle did in Beauty and the Beast when she first saw the Beast’s library.
The domed glass ceiling is a very fine accent to this already magnificent structure. Holding more than 350,000 literary materials, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room is the largest depository of Portuguese prints outside Portugal.
5. The Library of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
The New Library of Alexandria, or Bibliotheca Alexandrina, is the rebuilt version of the original Library of Alexandria. The old library was home to many precious manuscripts from Egypt, Persia, India, and Assyria. However, in 48 BC, part of the library was burned down as a consequence of Julius Caesar’s battle with Pompeii.
The building now houses modern and classical literature and serves as a cultural and education center with a museum and planetarium. It has a tilted circular structure with skylight windows on the roof and granite walls featuring hand-carved symbols from different languages.
6. Stockholm Public Library, Stockholm, Sweden
From its exterior to its interior, the Stockholm Public Library is nothing short of magnificent. Fusing geometry and architecture, the library’s exterior is characterized by a cylinder centered within a cube — a modern take on neoclassical architecture.
The bookcases are stacked in the interior of the cylinder. The main access to the reading lofts is through a staircase up the cylinder. Skylight windows add an accent to the building and get plenty of natural light in the structure.
7. Danish Royal Library, Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish Royal Library is one of the biggest libraries in the world. It is composed of multiple buildings, but the most prominent one is what people call the Black Diamond. This is because of its sleek architectural design and black polished granite walls.
Although the Black Diamond was only built in 1999, an older building, the H.J. Holm Historical Library building, has been holding books since 1906. The Danish Royal Library is more than a library, as they also host events, have art exhibitions, and cultural activities.
8. Stuttgart City Library, Stuttgart, Germany
A library with a more contemporary architectural design is the Stuttgart City Library in Germany. The monochromatic theme makes the library look elegant and bright. The building was designed by Korean architect Eun Young Yi.
One impressive aspect of the library is its use of technology to provide modernized services, like online catalogs and audio guides. Its interior is just as breathtaking as the view around it, and don’t skip the roof deck for a fantastic view.
9. The Library of El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
The Library at El Escorial dates back to the 1580s. It is part of a complex that also includes a church, a palace, a college, and a monastery. Probably one of the most striking features of the library is its unified artistic theme. The paintings on the walls and ceilings embody 17th-century art and architecture.
This idea of maintaining coherence in the overall design helps preserve and showcase the building’s history and significance while also adding to its classic appeal. Notably, El Escorial is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea
The Starfield Library is a library within a mall specifically designed to attract a more diverse public, including younger generations. Clearly, setting up a library within a building that people visit for leisure is not a bad idea. People now have no excuse not to visit the library.
Not only does the Starfield Library in Seoul have a unique shelf setup, but it also looks inviting and Instagrammable. The library occupies a significant part of the building and has open spaces, making it bright and welcoming.
11. National Library of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
The National Library of Finland is one of the most meticulously planned libraries in the world. From its location to the facade, columns, and layout, everything seems to be a tribute to Classicism and 18th-century architecture.
One of the most prominent structures in the library is the Cupola Hall, which looks grand with its dome ceiling and frescoes. Another is the Rotunda annex, built in 1906 but which shares the same artistic touch. The library’s interior differs from its simple or minimalist exterior.
12. Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic
The Strahov Library within the Strahov Monastery complex features architecture from both the 17th and 18th centuries. The Theological Hall (completed in 1679) and the Philosophical Hall (completed in 1794) are its main buildings.
Both halls are adorned with elaborate ceiling frescoes that emphasize the importance of knowledge in people’s lives. The Theological Hall’s frescoes were painted by Siard Nosecký, while the Philosophical Hall’s ceiling was decorated by Franz Anton Maulbertsch.
13. The Morgan Library & Museum, New York City, USA
The Morgan Library and Museum is a project by Pierpoint Morgan, who wanted to have a depository for his collections. This personal library was only opened to the public by J.P. Morgan, Jr. in 1924, after his father’s death.
Today, the Morgan Library and Museum is recognized as one of New York City’s must-visit places. In fact, the original palazzo has expanded into a complex with several other structures. The library is celebrating its 100th year in 2024.
14. Abbey Library of St. Gall, St. Gallen, Switzerland
The Abbey Library at St. Gall is one of the oldest libraries in the world and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, and it was founded by the Irish missionary Gall.
The library building, built in 1553, has survived many catastrophes. In 1767, it was replaced with the magnificent Baroque Hall that it is today. Apart from being a world heritage site, the Abbey Library holds a Memory of the World recognition.
15. National Library of Austria, Vienna, Austria
Another library with frescoed ceilings is the National Library of Austria. Its Baroque architecture is a remnant of the building’s deep history. The design, artworks, displays, and even the bookcases seem to reference classic architectural style.
The National Library of Austria currently holds over 200,000 collections, including Martin Luther’s manuscripts. Other important pieces and accents in the library are the Venetian Baroque Globes and a “becoming of God” painting of Emperor Charles VI spread across a dome ceiling.
16. Nakajima Library, Akita, Japan
All the way from Asia is one of Japan’s stunning monuments, the Nakajima Library found within the Akita International University (AIU) grounds. The library employs modern architecture and is built in a coliseum-like way.
The ceiling alone is enough to leave everyone in awe. From the inside, the library looks like a giant wooden umbrella. This is meant to provide a peaceful and inspiring space for students to study. The library is open 365 days a year for students. Yes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For visitors, you are free to visit between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. during the week or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend.
17. The Vasconcelos Library, Mexico City, Mexico
The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, or Vasconcelos Library, is a contemporary library found in Mexico City. Established in 2006, the most distinct features of the building are the steel shelves and transparent walls that create a geometric illusion.
It earned the name “mega library” due to its modern design and the number of collections deposited in it (over 600,000). The library also has green spaces, such as a greenhouse and a garden, where you can walk around and explore.
18. Vatican Library, Vatican City, Rome
The Vatican Library was started by Pope Nicholas V and completed under Pope Sixtus IV. The library was built to give scholars access to archival texts. Today, it holds some of the world’s most precious manuscripts.
Situated inside the Vatican Palace, the library’s Sistine Hall is adorned by paintings of religious figures. It is one of the most beautifully designed library interiors. Unfortunately, the Vatican Library limits its admissions to scholars, researchers, teachers, or graduate students. This is because of the nature and value of the artifacts deposited in the library.
19. George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Another library with a remarkable interior is the George Peabody Library, in Baltimore. The library was opened in 1878 and started as part of the Peabody Institute. It currently holds around 300,000 printed items from different centuries and regions.
Apart from being a space for reading or research, the library has opened its doors to corporate or private events. The space is available for rent and can even be used for weddings.
10 Dangerous Countries to Avoid at All Costs, and 5 Countries to Visit Instead
When setting up your travel itinerary, it is always best to stay safe. One way to stay safe is to avoid certain countries that may be dangerous to you. These countries could have war, be dangerous to certain types of tourists, have lots of poverty, or even have a high homicide rate. In any case, it is best to avoid them at all costs.
The Top 18 Hottest Summer Spots for 2024 – Get Ready to Pack Your Bags
Summer is right around the corner, and no matter how many countries your readers have checked off your list, there’s always a new city, region, or country to explore. From air safaris and train adventures to picturesque towns and tropical lagoons, please consider these summer vacation ideas.
15 of the Most Charming Towns in Spain You Should Visit
People naturally gravitate to places like Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada when visiting Spain. However, as iconic as these destinations are, it’s worth looking beyond the main tourist trail! This sun-kissed country has countless hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
