Wirtschaftsuniversitat Bibliothek in Vienna, Austria
The National Library in Vienna, Austria is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stately rooms, but 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 spanning thousands of years of history, the library was renovated by architect Zaha Hadid after a fire in 2005. The innovative interior with its curving movements and bright lighting makes visitors feel like they are lost in another planet. Wirtschaftsuniversitat Bibliothek also boasts the largest library in the German-speaking region.
Royal Library in Copenhagen, Denmark
Dubbed the “black diamond”, the Royal Library in Copenhagen is a neo-modernist 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 expanded and serves as an important building in the city. From afar, visitors are impressed by the enchanting black cube on the outside with its attractive lines, glass and glossy black granite, while inside it has a twisting shape, open spaces and escalators.
More surprisingly, not just a simple 7-storey spacious building, this library also has a rooftop terrace, which is the venue for major concerts and musical events of the city, below is a National Museum of Photography, a bookstore, cafes and restaurants as a commercial center.
University of Warsaw Library in Poland
Located in the city center and founded in 1816, the University of Warsaw Library is an ideal destination for those who not only love architecture but also want to immerse themselves in nature. With a modern and colorful design, the front of the library is a glass facade covered with green vines, and on the rooftop are 4 different gardens.
The entrance to this library features huge blocks with works written in many different languages, including a copy of Plato's writings in ancient Greek and one in ancient Polish.
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice, Italy
Undoubtedly the largest and most prestigious library in Italy, the Biblioteca Marciana houses one of the most important collections of Greek, Latin and Asian manuscripts in the world. The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, located prominently in the Piazza San Marco, was designed by Jacopo Sansovino and completed in the late 1500s, and is elegant and somewhat unusual for the period in which it was built.
The interior of the new library is awe-inspiring, with its classical and modern yet exquisite architecture, created by the hands of great artists such as Titian and Tintoretto, among others. Thanks to that, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana deserves to be one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
John Rylands Library in Manchester, UK
The University of Manchester Library is the heart 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 was redesigned in the neo-Gothic style by architect Basil Champneys in 1889.
The library, located on Deansgate in the heart of Manchester, boasts an extensive collection of books. The Reading Room, with its high columns and vaulted ceiling complete with intricate decoration, is the perfect backdrop for anyone visiting.
Stiftsbibliothek Admont in Austria
It would be a mistake to mention the most beautiful libraries in Europe without mentioning Stiftsbibliothek Admont in Austria. Located in the town of Admont - the center of Austria, this grand building was completed in 1776 in the Baroque style.
Stepping inside, you will be overwhelmed by countless different works of art, from statues, to decorative objects and luxurious golden bookshelves like in a royal palace. 4 bronze statues in the corners of the main hall, representing death, resurrection, hell and heaven. Most impressive is the ceiling with 7 frescoes inspired by the "Spirit of Enlightenment" and completed by artist Bartolomeo Altomonte in 1775 - 1776, when he was 80 years old.
Oodi Central Library in Helsinki, Finland
Inaugurated in late 2018, the Oodi Central Library in Helsinki is the newest library on this list of the most beautiful libraries in Europe and the 37th branch of the Helsinki City Library.
Unlike the above buildings, the Oodi library with its modern design seems to have a futuristic architecture, making it not only look like a library but also symbolize big waves, and people are ships at sea. The 3-storey structure of this famous library is made entirely of glass and wood, and is a masterpiece of Finnish architecture that is very ecologically sustainable. Here you can not only study and work, but also have the opportunity to visit, take photos and organize events.
