If you want to know which the most famous and beautiful libraries in the world are, you have definitely come to the right place. We will show them below and you will be able to appreciate exceptional architectural works that go beyond just making spaces to accumulate books. They are quality spaces where any reader can enjoy hours of reading in the most pleasant and enjoyable way.
The most famous and beautiful libraries in the world
Peabody Library
This library is located in Baltimore, United States; you can appreciate an authentic temple of the industrial era made of iron, but full of many classic details such as balustrades. Designed by architect Edmund G. Lind, it is a library with a large space full of light so that readers can enjoy their favorite book.
Martian Library
This library is located in Venice, Italy and it was designed by architects Jacopo d’Sntonio Sansovino and Vincenzo Scamozzi. It is an exceptional building that features the Grimani classical sculpture collection, which is located under the ceiling that was painted by Titian. Undoubtedly this library is an architectural work full of art.
Clementinum
It is located in Prague and is part of a series of buildings of great historical relevance, since the oldest of them is estimated to have been built in the eleventh century. Undoubtedly, this is a library that has great cultural value. It is highlighted by a central space that has a selection of large globes, which represent the search for ancient worldly characters. In addition, it also has artistic works painted on the ceiling, which undoubtedly gives an exceptional classical touch in the midst of all the baroque architecture.
Admont Abbey Library
This library is located in Admont, Austria, and it was designed by architect Joseph Hueber. It is a rococo style library built in 1776 and very well preserved over the years. It is also known for being one of the largest libraries in the monastic history; it is a cultural jewel, since the whole building is full of art. From the corridors to the stairs, the floor, walls and ceiling, absolutely everything is full of meticulous details that make it one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Joanina Library
It is located in Coimbra, Portugal. This is a clear evidence of the best period of Portugal, demonstrating wealth and power with the finishes of this construction made of gold leaf, which is an exceptional finish that illuminates the darkness of the library. In addition, it has secret doors, which are directed to the reading room.
The Escorial
It is located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain. Designed by the Renaissance architect Juan Bautista de Toledo, it is an exceptional architectural work that made history. Built in 1585, it was the first library to decorate the walls with books, a way to make the space more attractive and, at the same time, give it utility. It has a large central space and a spectacular concave ceiling painted with wonderful works that delight any visitor.
Library of the National Palace of Mafra
This library is located in Mafra, Portugal and it was designed by architect Johann Friederich Ludwig. It is about 88 meters deep, making it the longest rococo monastic library in the world. It was built between 1717- 1771 and it is believed that it was finished with gold leaf, and that its concave ceiling was painted with representative artistic works; unfortunately, these have been lost. However, the construction has remained, that is, the architectural work that continues standing and providing a quality space for readers. As a curious fact, this library has a colony of bats that eats the insects at night, thus preventing the deterioration of the books.
Beinecke Library of Manuscripts and Rare Books
It is located at Yale University in the United States and it was designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft. It is known for being one of the largest libraries in the world and for having an exceptional collection of rare books and manuscripts. It also has a very interesting design, since on the outside it looks solid without apparent lighting; but upon entering it, it turns out that inside the natural light comes through the stones of the wall.
Stockholms Stadsbibliotek
This library is located in Sweden, known in English as the Stockholm Public Library. It was designed by architect Gunnar Asplund. Its main feature is the white ceiling that resembles daylight, along with the cylindrical shape of its main hall. This is surrounded by some 40,000 books, where you can see a large collection of Nordic narratives in different languages, from the national language to other classical languages such as French, German and English.
Sainte-Geneviève Library
This library is located in Paris and it was designed in the mid-nineteenth century by the architect Henri Labrouste. It has the collections of the Abbey founded in the sixth century, so it is possible to appreciate important ancient texts. In addition, it is a cozy space thanks to its large space with great lighting and good resistance as it has high iron columns that are attached to the large iron arches that support the vaults, thus providing a harmonious space with great spatial richness.
