I propose a road trip, or a bucket list, or a book list - if you love books as much as I do, I'm sure you've looked at various libraries, and perhaps visited a few, in you locale, or on vacation, and or even as a visit, at least in your mind, when you see pics of libraries around the world. I have chosen 10 by beauty alone, but I do have a bias. I love the old libraries. The modern libraries are functional, but there is something special about libraries built a long time ago, but still appreciated today. Of course, I would love to include the original Library of Alexandria, but due to its unfortunate demise, it's no longer available except in our dreams. So let's begin (using quotes from the experts on the design since they've been there, with my own observations on why I want to visit included)...
1 El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires – In a beautiful cross-pollination of the arts, one of the world's most stunning places to read isn't even a library -- it's a theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Designed by Pero and Torres Arngol, the El Ateneo Grand Splendid started life as a stage for the performing arts in 1919, then a cinema. Once upon a time live tango played from an orchestra underneath silent movies. Now it's a majestic bookstore, complete with frescoes, balconies and original red curtains.
2 Waanders In de Broeren, Zwolle, The Netherlands – If libraries are cathedrals of learning, then it's not a huge stretch to place a bookshop in a church. Waanders In de Broeren in Zwolle sits within a converted 15th century Dominican church. The refit builds in three floors but pays respect to the original vaulted ceiling, while architects BK. Architecten transformed the building's transepts into reading rooms, complete with stained glass windows.
3 Strahov Abbey library, Prague, Czech Republic – Dr James Campbell of Cambridge University and renowned architecture photographer Will Pryce have together compiled The Library: A World History, the most complete account of library buildings to date. Here Campbell and Pryce take us on a virtual journey through some of their favorites.
6 The Peabody Library, Baltimore, U.S. – Will Pryce: "This is an extraordinary space, a temple to the industrial age which creates an almost cathedral-like effect. There are thousands of books wherever you look and gorgeous ornate balustrades. Despite all the classical details it's actually made of iron and spans the weight of this huge library above the concert hall below."
8 Merton College Library, Oxford, UK – James Campbell: "Although the building was completed in 1373 and is one of the oldest academic libraries in the world still in continuous daily use, the fittings date from the late sixteenth century. It is less ornate than Rococo libraries in palace or monastery complexes, because universities did not have access to the same amount of money, but it is still extraordinarily beautiful."
10 The Bodleian Library, Oxford, UK – Will Pryce: "Arts End is one of most lovely corners of the group of libraries that constitute the Bodleian. Under the galleries there are little desks where readers face the bookshelves of one of the earliest wall-system libraries."
11 Admont Abbey library, Admont, Austria – James Campbell: "This is one of the largest monastic libraries ever built. The whole thing is a complete work of art. The corridors and staircase that leads to it is relatively simple, so when you enter this stunning space flooded with light there is almost a moment of revelation, a theatrical effect. There are no desks to work at because these library rooms were never intended for study, but for impressing visitors. The books were taken back to the monks' warm cells to be read. It was built in 1776, a piece de resistance of rococo design."
13 Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra, Portugal – Will Pryce: "This is a very imposing library from a time when Portugal was extremely wealthy and powerful. It is very dark but features intricate gold leaf which gives it magical luminosity. The backs of the bookcases each have different color, and there are integrated ladders that pull out, and secret doors that lead to reading rooms."
14 The Escorial Library, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain – Will Pryce: "This library was ground-breaking. It established the template of using books to decorate the walls of the library which we've been using ever since. The great hall is a harmonious combination of bookshelves, books and a wonderful painted ceiling. It was complete by 1585 and influenced everything that followed it."
15 Mafra Palace Library, Mafra, Portugal – James Campbell: "The Mafra Palace Library in Mafra, Portugal is at 88 meters the longest Rococo monastic library in the world. Sadly the original designs are lost but we think it would have been covered in gold leaf with an ornate painted ceiling. However, because the construction lasted from 1717 to 1771, by the time it was completed a simplified decoration was adopted. The library also hosts a colony of bats who come out at night to feed on the insects who would otherwise eat the books."
So there you have it, some of my favorite, most beautiful libraries in the world - I've the book, Beautiful Places to Read, as well as searches online over the years, hoping for that elusive road trip. And. Of course, there will be other libraries added, as inspiration for my passion to books. If you are interested, I'd love to have you tag along, and I promise we'll visit a few of your favorites as well!
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