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Wirtschaftsuniversitat Bibliothek in Vienna, Austria
The National Library in Vienna, Austria, is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and stately rooms. However, for visitors seeking a more modern aesthetic, the library at the Wirtschaftsuniversitat Bibliothek University of Economics and Business is a must-see.
Built in 1898 and having survived thousands of years of history, the library was renovated by architect Zaha Hadid after a fire in 2005. Its innovative interior, with its flowing curves and dazzling light, makes visitors feel as if they have stepped onto another planet. The Wirtschaftsuniversitat Bibliothek also boasts the title of the largest library in the German-speaking region.
The Royal Library in Copenhagen, Denmark
Often referred to as the "black diamond," the Royal Library in Copenhagen is a neo-modern treasure located in the historic center of Denmark, and boasts one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe. Built in 1999, the library has since been expanded and plays a significant role in the city. From afar, visitors are impressed by the mesmerizing black cube exterior with its captivating lines, glass facade, and polished black granite, while inside it features a spiral shape, spacious interior, and escalators.
Surprisingly, this library is not just a simple, spacious seven-story building; it also has a rooftop terrace that hosts major concerts and theatrical events in the city, and below it houses the National Photography Museum, a bookstore, a café, and restaurants, much like a shopping mall.
The University of Warsaw Library in Poland
Located in the heart of the city and founded in 1816, the Warsaw University Library is an ideal destination for those who appreciate not only architecture but also nature. With its modern and colorful design, the library's glass facade is covered in lush green vines, and the rooftop features four different gardens.
The entrance to this library features massive blocks filled with works written in various languages, including a manuscript by Plato in ancient Greek and one in ancient Polish.
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice, Italy
Deserving of its reputation as the largest and most prestigious library in Italy, the Marciana Library houses one of the most important collections of Greek, Latin, and Asian manuscripts in the world. The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, prominently situated in San Marco Square, was designed by Jacopo Sansovino and completed in the late 1500s, boasting an elegant and somewhat unusual style for its time.
The interior of the new library amazes those who admire it with its architecture that is both classical and modern, yet incredibly sophisticated, created by the hands of renowned artists such as Titian and Tintoretto and many others. Because of this, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana rightfully deserves to be considered one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
John Rylands Library in Manchester, United Kingdom
The University of Manchester Library is the centerpiece of the UK's largest university, welcoming over 3 million students, researchers, and visitors each year. It was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her late husband, but in 1889 it was redesigned in the Neo-Gothic style by architect Basil Champneys.
Located on Deansgate in the heart of Manchester, the library boasts an extensive collection of books. The Reading Room, with its tall columns and vaulted ceiling complete with intricate ornamentation, is the perfect backdrop for photos for anyone visiting.
Stiftsbibliothek Admont in Austria
It would be a mistake to mention the most beautiful libraries in Europe without including the Stiftsbibliothek Admont in Austria. Located in the town of Admont – in the heart of Austria – this massive building was completed in 1776 in the Baroque style.
Stepping inside, you'll be overwhelmed by the myriad of different works of art, from statues to ornate decorations and luxurious gold bookshelves fit for a royal palace. Four bronze statues in the corners of the main hall represent death, resurrection, hell, and heaven. Most impressive is the ceiling with its seven frescoes inspired by the "Spirit of the Enlightenment," completed by the artist Bartolomeo Altomonte in 1775-1776, when he was 80 years old.
Oodi Central Library in Helsinki, Finland
Inaugurated at the end of 2018, the Oodi Central Library in Helsinki is the newest addition to this list of Europe's most beautiful libraries and is the 37th branch of the Helsinki City Library.
Unlike the other buildings, the Oodi Library, with its modern design resembling futuristic architecture, not only looks like a library but also symbolizes large waves, with people as ships at sea. The three-story structure of this famous library is made entirely of glass and wood, and is a masterpiece of Finnish architecture that is ecologically sustainable. Here, you can not only study and work, but also have the opportunity to visit, take photos, and organize events.
