Whether you’re into futuristic-looking libraries with clean lines and concrete or you prefer baroque architecture with gold hues and ceiling paintings - this list has it all. We’ve rounded up the top 15 most beautiful libraries in the world that you should add to your travel bucket list.
Baroque Libraries
1. Klementinum Library - Prague, Czech Republic
The Klementinum Library in Prague is no doubt one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Although visitors are not allowed to enter the library in order to control the humidity of the place, you can however catch a glimpse of the sheer beauty of the library from the entrance.
Photo Credit: Sean Yan
2. Mafra National Palace Library - Mafra, Portugal
The Mafra National Palace Library is worth visiting just for its sheer magnificence. If you do need another excuse to visit, this library is also one of the two libraries in Portugal that have bats residing behind the bookshelves. The reason why these bats are welcome guests is because they eat insects in the library at night that might otherwise feed on manuscript pages.
3. University of Coimbra General Library - Coimbra, Portugal
Biblioteca Joanina is the most beautiful part of the Coimbra University Library. Just like the Mafra National Palace Library, this library houses a camp of bats to help keep the place free from insect infestation to further preserve the library’s treasures.
4. Admont Abbey Library - Admont, Austria
Admont Abbey Library situated in the southeast part of Austria stands out from other libraries because of its majestic white and gold interior. The gorgeous frescoes on the ceiling represent different phases of human knowledge. It is also worth noting that it houses Joseph Stammel's "Four Last Things" sculptures, which depicts the death, heaven, hell and the Last Judgment.
Photo credit: Valdemaras D., Unsplash
5. Abbey Library of Saint Gall - St. Gallen, Switzerland
This library in Switzerland is one of the oldest working libraries in the world, boasting over 150,000 pieces of work. It is also one of the most stunning libraries on earth and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being “a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery.”
PS* Swiss Travel Pass gives you free entrance to 500+ museums and unlimited travel in Switzerland
6. Strahov Monastery Library - Prague, Czech Republic
The Strahov Monastery Library is another equally magnificent library worth visiting when you’re in Prague. The library is divided into two main halls - The Theological Hall and The Philosophical Hall. The Theological Hall contains mostly literature of a theological nature & a large collection of Bibles in various languages whereas The Philosophical Hall houses over 42,000 ancient philosophical texts.
7. Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There are over 350,000 volumes within this portugal library including rare books from the past centuries. One of the highlights of the place - Altar da Pátria, is a stunning masterpiece made from marble, ivory and silver commemorating the Portuguese Discoveries that took place during the 1400s and 1500s.
8. Old Library, Trinity College Library Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
The Old Library in Trinity College, Dublin is a must to visit for all Harry Potter fans out there. The Long Room lined with marble sculptures of writers, philosophers and college backers is as magical as Hogwarts. Not to boast that it also contains 200,000 of the library’s oldest and most valuable books.
Futuristic Libraries
1. Stuttgart City Library, Germany
The City Library in Stuttgart is designed by a Korean-born Germany-based architect, Eun Young Yi. It showcases modern minimalism at its finest.
2. Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China
This futuristic library in Tianjin features a floor to ceiling shelf which is breathtaking. PS* The books on these shelves are fake but it is still an insta-worthy spot.
3. Qatar National Library, Doha, Qatar
Both the interior and the exterior design of this library in Doha is extremely aesthetically-pleasing. We guarantee you’ll be able to find a cosy spot in this library between the endless rows of shelves.
4. Seattle Public Library - Seattle, Washington, USA
There is a lot to love in Seattle. From the art scene, food and great coffee down to libraries that look like this.
5. The Vennesla Library and Culture House - Vennesla, Norway
Designed by Norwegian architects Helen & Hard, this library links the learning centre and community house together whilst adding a touch of sophisticated elegance to the city. On top of that, the library is also a “low-energy” building due to its clever design.
6. Tama Art University Library - Tokyo, Japan
The Tama Art University Library in Tokyo represents the Japanese architect Toyo Ito’s modern interpretation of a cave. The bookshelves are designed to be below eye-level so that library-goers can see the surrounding trees every which way they look.
Insta photo
7. Geisel Library UCSD - San Diego, California, USA
The Geisel Library is located in the center of the University of California San Diego campus. It is named in honor of Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel. Better known as Dr Seuss, the beloved child author.
