For knowledge seekers, libraries offer a peaceful oasis. Somewhere safe and welcoming with endless possibilities, where you can escape into the pages of a book. Many libraries are also free, have borrowing schemes, and make great places to study.
And that’s without mentioning some of the stunning buildings libraries are housed in – boasting everything from grand baroque interiors to futuristic otherworldly designs.
So, whether you’re a book lover, enjoy admiring architectural masterpieces, are drawn to a quiet library environment – or can’t get enough of the smell of musty books! – we’ve got you covered.
Here are 12 of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
“I don’t have to look far to find treasures. I discover them every time I visit a library”
1. Bibliothèque Richelieu-Louvois, Paris, France
The Richelieu Library is housed within a magnificent historic palace and forms part of the National Library of France. It holds an impressive 22 million books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, coins, and other objects spanning centuries of French history and culture. It’s believed that these collections were moved here in 1721 when King Louis XIV ran out of space at the Louvre.
In the 19th century, the palace was transformed into a proper public library with gorgeous reading rooms, such as Salle Labrouste and Salle Ovale. It’s not difficult to feel a sense of awe on a visit here. The library’s lavish decor includes bookcases topped with paintings of lush greenery, intricate iron structures, and twinkling glass ceilings inspired by Byzantine domes, which bathe the space in natural light.
2. George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA
Described as a “cathedral of books”, The George Peabody Library is a remarkable research library, linked to John Hopkins University. Close to the George Washington Monument, it’s a great stop for book lovers touring Baltimore. It was completed in 1878 after George Peabody, a renowned philanthropist and businessman, donated $300,000 to its establishment and maintenance.
The library’s exquisite interior adds to the library’s grandeur. Not only has it been used as a film set but it’s also a popular venue for weddings and exhibitions. Cast iron balconies, marble columns, and a five-tier, 61-foot atrium containing 300,000 rare books and manuscripts are all part of the beauty and magic.
3. The Admont Monastery Library, Austria
A Baroque masterpiece, The Admont Monastery Library is Austria’s oldest monastery. Not only is it a place of worship, but also an incredible centre of art, learning, and heritage preservation.
The Monastery’s library – with its dreamy fresco ceiling showing the stages of human thought and understanding – is a paradise for book lovers. Over 70,000 volumes are stored in floor-to-ceiling bookcases, drenched in white and gold, and adorned with intricate lime-wood carvings.
Browsing here is like stepping into an enchanting fairytale – and the smell of musty books only adds to the charm. Some manuscripts even date back to the 8th century AD. Plus, you can find various editions of the Bible, as well as books printed before 1500.
4. Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea
The Gangnam district is a bit like the Beverley Hills of South Korea; and it’s the home of COEX Mall, one of the biggest underground malls in Seoul. As well as boasting 320 shops, a 17-screen Megabox cinema, 100+ restaurants, and a huge aquarium with over 40,000 sea creatures, you’ll also find Starfield Library – which offers a unique and captivating literary experience.
This mesmerising two-story library is nearly 43 metres tall – and 50,000 books of all genres tower over you in curved, triangle-shaped bookcases. People can use the library for free, though rentals aren’t available yet. Instead, guests can relax on one of the 200 seats available in the form of benches, tables, and plush sofas.
5. Library of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
The Library of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a magnificent Renaissance library, established in 1565 by King Philip II of Spain. The grand, imposing hall has an extensive collection of over 40,000 books and manuscripts covering diverse subjects like philosophy, theology, science, and literature in multiple languages. Wonderfully baroque globes, armillary spheres, maps, and other mathematical instruments are also featured here.
The library is one of the standout examples of the work of renowned architect, Juan de Herrera. It was the first library to display its literature on shelving units along the ways, rather than bays placed at right angles – with the aim being to make titles more visible to visitors and avoid damage when they were taken out to view.
6. Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China
Envisioned by the renowned Dutch firm MVRDV, this iconic library instantly stunned the world with its audacious, almost surreal, aesthetics when it opened its doors in 2017. Designed to look like an eyeball, the spherical, otherworldly auditorium features floor-to-ceiling cascading bookcases and a huge glowing sphere at the centre. Visitors say it’s a bit like being in an optical illusion.
The library was an instant hit, pulling in over 10,000 readers a day when it launched – and, even today, it remains one of Tianjin’s top tourist draws. However, while people can’t get enough of its mind-bending, futuristic aesthetics, there’s a twist: the huge bookcases that seem to stretch into the heavens aren’t accessible on the top levels. And instead of being lined with actual books, they’re filled with aluminium plates printed to look like book covers.
7. Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico City, Mexico
Designed by Alberto Kalach, Mexico’s largest library opened to the public in Mexico City in 2008. The 400-foot-square building looks a bit like a prison or fortress – but, inside, visitors are in for a geometric adventure. Towering storeys of metal and glass bookcases are connected by semi-translucent walkways and suspended high off the ground to give the illusion they’re floating.
An intricately inscribed grey whale skeleton also hovers over the central atrium, giving the space a museum-like feel. Plus, those brave enough to venture to the upper levels of the library will be treated to beautiful views of the surrounding botanical gardens.
With over 500,000 books and rooms designated for braille, sign language, audiovisual learning, and babies and children, Biblioteca Vasconcelos is an exciting cultural hub that attracts people from around the world.
8. Stuttgart City Library, Stuttgart, Germany
The Stuttgart City Library, designed by the Korean architect Eun Young Yi, seamlessly blends form and function. Completed in 2011, from the outside, the library looks like a concrete cube – but inside is a bibliophile’s dream. Light, airy, and almost cloudlike, the space has nine neatly designed floors. Five of these are arranged in a ring formation around the outside of a dazzling white reading room, which gleams with natural light, thanks to the glass ceiling.
While the library takes a minimalist approach, thoughtful touches – like the zigzagging staircases and colourful book spines contrasting against radiant white – give the room a somewhat unearthly appearance. Visitors can also borrow books (many of which are in English) using the efficient self-checkout process.
9. Klementinum National Library in Prague, Czech Republic
Home to 20,000 rare books and millions more, as well as charming portraits, ancient globes, and astronomical clocks, Klementinum National Library has been nicknamed ‘the baroque pearl of Prague’. It’s found within the vast complex of Klementinum, a former university. And its extravagant interior, characterised by curving lines, elaborate ornamentation, and a strong contrast between light and dark, is reflective of its 17th-century roots.
Visitors who’ve finished exploring the library can climb the astronomical tower above for a beautiful view over Prague. Klementium’s courtyard is also a joy to explore – just remember to look up to see the sculpture of the young girl holding a swallow, sitting on the pilaster above!
10. Seattle Central Library, Seattle, Washington
The Seattle Central Library of today – completed in 2004 – was built to replace the formal central library building, dating back to 1960. The $165.5 million sculpture, made of glass and steel has 11 floors, which can be entered and exited on different levels, due to its handy hilltop location. It’s difficult not to be in awe of the diamond-lattice envelope the building was wrapped in; which creates striking shadows across the library’s interior.
But some of the space’s most impressive features include ‘The Book Spiral’ – a continuous ribbon of non-fiction, spread across levels six to nine – and the Red Floor. Here, halls curve into each other like tunnels and everything is painted bold red. This floor is mostly meeting rooms; some people say it’s a bit like being inside a red blood cell. Haunting? Beautiful? We’ll let you decide!
11. Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Overflowing with a staggering 23.7 million media items, including books, films, and DVDs, as well as fascinating sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and architectural details, visitors say that stepping inside this stylish library is like being transported to Italy. Bathed in renaissance-revival splendour, it features barrel-vaulted ceilings, arched windows, marble staircases, colourful murals, ornate fireplaces, and vibrant green-topped reading lamps.
Boston Public Library also has afternoon tea options, a fully stocked bar, and a gorgeous courtyard – which offers a perfect slice of outdoor peace within the busy city. Plus, it’s the first US library to have a dedicated children’s library.
12. Abbey of St Gall Library, St Gallen, Switzerland
Founded in 719, the Abbey of St Gall Library is one of the oldest and most beautiful lending libraries in the world. The library dates back to the 8th century when it was part of the UNESCO-protected Abbey of St Gall. But, in the mid-1700s, it was moved to its current location to accommodate its growing collection.
Around 170,000 works are held here – many written by medieval monks – as well as a 2,700-year-old mummified body of an Egyptian called Shepenese.
The ancient library hall itself is also a masterpiece of Baroque design and craftsmanship. Warm wood panels adorn the walls and intricate carved detailing covers every surface. The vaulted ceiling is a kaleidoscope of vibrant frescoes showing scenes from the bible and classical tales. And, at the room’s centre, huge wooden bookcases stretch toward the ceiling, their shelves brimming with leather-bound titles.
Final thoughts…
It’s easy to fall in love with libraries – they offer peace, choice, empowerment, and inspiration. They also bring communities together, provide quiet spaces for reflection, and foster learning and creativity.
For many of us, libraries provide a warm dose of nostalgia too, as we think back to visiting them as children. Plus, in our increasingly technological world, it can be nice to press pause and lose ourselves in a physical book every now and then.
Albert Einstein once said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library” – and we completely agree!
Book lovers may also want to check out our articles; 27 of the best must-read books and 15 simple tips to help you read more books.
Have you visited any of these libraries? Or do you have any ideas for other beautiful libraries? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.