Magnificent libraries in the world. We love books, and so do libraries! Whether it is a university library or a public library, it does not matter. These generous buildings, which host books, also host people and provide them with a peaceful environment. There are also some libraries that fascinate those who see them. Magnificent buildings from ancient times or very stylish and modern structures…
There are magnificent libraries all over the world, from Africa to America, from Asia to Europe. We have listed for you the impressive libraries with both their architecture and collection. You can be sure that entering these libraries will take you to a completely different dimension. Fascinating libraries will increase your love for books even more.
Admont Abbey Library, Styria, Austria
One of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in the world is Admont Abbey in Austria. You should definitely see this library, which was built in the town of Admont in the province of Styria in 1776. You will feel like you are in a fairy tale in the golden yellow atmosphere shining on white. Not finished! Prepare to see magnificent works made by two important artists of the Baroque period.
It is exciting to wander under Bartolomeo Altomonte’s colorful frescoes and take a closer look at Joseph Stammel’s sculptures called “The Four Last Things”. This is the largest monastery library in the world and contains approximately 70 thousand books. Admont Abbey invites you to a fascinating world with both its architecture and books.
George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA
The library, named after the philanthropist George Peabody who funded it, was gifted to the people of Baltimore for their kindness and hospitality. The library, which was opened in 1787, bears the characteristics of 19th century architecture. This magnificent building is called the “Cathedral of Books”. Visitors are greeted by five floors of elegant balconies rising above the marble floor. The walls of these balconies, surrounded by cast iron railings, are covered with valuable books from top to bottom. The roof of the library is designed with windows to let in daylight. George Peabody Library provides free services as part of Johns Hopkins University.
Bodleian Library, Oxford, United Kingdom
Although Oxford, the city of libraries, is home to many impressive names, we can say that the Bodleian Library has a special place in the heart of the city. Bodleian, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, resembles an ancient cathedral. The library, considered one of the masterpieces of English Gothic architecture, has been in service since the 14th century.
The library, which houses more than 13 million printed materials, has many types of works, from rare books to maps, from manuscripts to classical papyri. Among the most striking works of the rich collection, the Gutenberg Bible and William Shakespeare’s First Folio are at the top. The Bodleian is proudly the main research library of the University of Oxford.
Stuttgart Library, Stuttgart, Germany
It is a 9-storey library that attracts all attention with its cube-shaped appearance. It is said that its design was inspired by the Pantheon in Ancient Rome. The library, which was opened in Stuttgart, Berlin in 2011, is painted white everywhere. The only colorful thing in this pure white atmosphere is books. This creates an extremely modern and stylish appearance. The glass ceiling of the Stuttgart Library complements this spacious environment in the best way. This avant-garde building resembles an inverted pyramid from the inside.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt
It was once the largest library in the world. What was inside the famous ancient library of Alexandria on the shores of the Mediterranean? It contained legendary works by Homer, Plato, Socrates and many others. Until B.C. Until 48 BC, when Julius Cesar was burned at the stake. Centuries later, Egypt wanted to bring this library back to the world. Although the library built in 2002 did not look much like the old one, it came back to life with a magnificent architecture. The 11-storey library, which attracts attention with its cylindrical architecture, is also known as the New Library of Alexandria.Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt.
José Vasconcelos Library, Mexico City, Mexico
José Vasconcelos Library in Mexico City is also known as the “Mega Library”. This glass structure, which contains invisible walls and hive-like shelves, attracts attention with its botanical garden. The library, built by Mexico’s former President Vicente Fox, is known as one of the most advanced structures of the 21st century. The library took its name from José Vasconcelos, one of the important writers of Mexican history, who was both a philosopher and politician of the country. This iconic character is famous across the country for popularizing reading.
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