Libraries that are as beautiful as the stories they hold

23 Beautiful Libraries on Earth You Need to Visit

Uncover 23 of the most beautiful libraries on earth, featuring stunning architecture, rich history, and incredible collections from around the globe.

Have you ever walked through the high halls and tall book shelves of a fancy library? Libraries can be very beautiful places! Their buildings are works of art, filled with books.

In this article, we’ll explore a list of the most beautiful libraries in the world. We will look at libraries from Portugal to China. Get ready to see amazing painted ceilings, twisty staircases, shiny gold globes, and old medieval handwritten books. These great buildings are made to celebrate ideas and learning.

This article features photos and descriptions of some of the most beautiful libraries in the world, including their standout architecture, decor, and collections. Get ready to go on a virtual world tour of ornate and breathtaking book buildings!

Let’s explore the most jaw-dropping library designs globally!

1. Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Brazil

The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This library has some amazing features that make it popular with tourists and frequently shown in TV shows and movies:

• Neo-Manueline architecture — ornate, decorative style similar to Late Gothic
• Beautiful dark woodwork and carved shelves
• Stained glass windows with colorful designs
• One of the biggest collections of Portuguese books outside Portugal

The Royal Portuguese Cabinet is considered one of the most beautiful libraries on earth because of its design and huge book collection.

Tourists love to visit and take photos of its woodwork, stained glass, and architecture. No wonder it’s been used as a location in several films and TV series!

2. Strahov Monastery Library, Czech Republic

The Strahov Monastery Library is located in Prague, Czech Republic. This historic library has some amazing features:

• Baroque design — ornate, over the top decor
• Painted ceiling frescoes with fancy designs
• Beautiful old bookcases filled with old books
• Many historic manuscripts and rare books

The Strahov Monastery and its library are very important to Czech history and culture. Monks have lived there for over 800 years! The library’s beautiful design and rare book collection make it popular with visitors.

With its frescoes, fancy bookcases, and historic book collection, the Strahov Monastery Library is considered one of the most beautiful libraries on earth. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Czech culture, science, and art from long ago!

3. Saint Florian Monastery Library

The Saint Florian Monastery Library is located in Sankt Florian, Austria. This library has some eye-catching features:

• Rococo architecture — very fancy, ornate decor
• Huge painted ceilings with beautiful frescoes
• Lots of shiny, gilded ornaments on shelves and walls

This monastery library has played an important role in preserving old Christian manuscripts and religious texts for over 1000 years! Many ancient books and documents have survived because of the care taken by the monks at Saint Florian’s.

With its decorative Rococo architecture, amazing painted ceilings, and gilded decorations, the Saint Florian Monastery Library definitely deserves to be called one of the most beautiful libraries on earth. It’s both stunning and historically significant!

4. Wiblingen Abbey Library

The Wiblingen Abbey Library is located in Ulm, Germany. This library has jaw-dropping features:

• Fancy Baroque architecture with decorative style
• Painted frescoed ceilings of the heavens
• Tall marble columns and arches
• Beautifully carved woodwork shelves and desks

The decorations in this library highlight both art and science. The ceiling frescoes show the cosmos and constellations. The intricate woodwork has carvings of instruments and symbols of knowledge.

With its mix of science and art seen in the fancy Baroque architecture, frescoed ceilings, woodwork, and decor, the Wiblingen Abbey Library is considered one of the most famous libraries on earth. It amazes visitors with its beauty and symbolic decorations!

5. Girolamini Library

The Girolamini Library is located in Naples, Italy. It has impressive features:

• Neoclassical architecture — elegant, clean, balanced style
• Rich frescoes with detailed paintings on the ceilings and walls
• large collection of historic documents and rare books

The Girolamini is famous for its vast book collection, including over 100,000 rare books and manuscripts on Italian literature! Some of the most priceless works in Italian culture and science are preserved here.

With its Neoclassical architecture, elaborate ceiling frescoes, and its huge collection of rare books, the Girolamini Library is considered one of the most famous libraries on earth. It’s culturally important for learning about historic Italian literature and art!

6. Tianjin Binhai Library

The Tianjin Binhai Library is located in Tianjin, China. This library looks like something out of the future, with:

• Ultra-modern design — very new, cutting edge
• Futuristic architecture — spaceship-like building
• Huge floor-to-ceiling bookcases full of books

The Tianjin Binhai Library has become a popular cultural hub in the city. Its incredible modern design also made it go viral online!

With its spaceship-inspired architecture full of mindboggling floor-to-ceiling bookcases, the Tianjin Binhai Library absolutely deserves to be considered one of the top libraries in the world. Its bold design draws visitors from near and far!

7. Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

The Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located near Madrid, Spain. It boasts awe-inspiring features:

• Renaissance architecture — symmetrical, geometric style
• Elaborate frescoed ceilings with painted scenes
• Vast archives of historic books and documents

This library is part of the vast El Escorial complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery, palace, and library have been important centers of study for centuries.

With its magnificent Renaissance architecture, beautifully adorned frescoed ceilings, and expansive archives, the Royal Library absolutely deserves to be considered one of the top libraries in the world. It amazes all who visit this Spanish national landmark!

8. Clementinum Library

The Clementinum Library is located in Prague, Czech Republic. It has majestic features:

• Elegant Baroque architecture with decorative style
• Painted ceiling frescoes of historical figures
• Ornate shelves and desks with shiny gilded decorations
• Collection of antique globes and astronomical tools

The Clementinum Library has an extensive archive of old maps and books related to astronomy and navigation from centuries past.

With its beautiful Baroque architecture, elaborate ceiling frescoes, and rare collection of antique globes and astronomical instruments, the Clementinum Library deserves to be called one of the leading libraries globally. It astonishes visitors from around the world!

9. Trinity College Library

The Trinity College Library is located in Dublin, Ireland. It has magnificent features:

• The Long Room — a gorgeous 65 meter long gallery
• Collection of historic manuscripts and rare documents
• Displays the precious illuminated Book of Kells

Trinity College Library is the largest library in Ireland. It holds the country’s historic records of literature and creative works. Some texts date back over 1000 years!

With its grand Long Room gallery, precious Book of Kells, and vast archives of Ireland’s cultural heritage, the Trinity College Library is considered one of the most renowned libraries worldwide. Visitors flock to see this important record of Irish history and art!

10. Municipal Law Library

The Municipal Law Library is located in Munich, Germany. It has striking features:

• Neo-Gothic architecture — pointed arches, vaulted ceilings
• Ornate shelves and reading desks made of dark woodwork
• Twin spiral staircases to reach the upper floors

Unlike most libraries, this one specializes in texts related to the law and government. It has a vast collection of statutes, legal codes, trial records, and rare law books from throughout German history.

With its magnificent Neo-Gothic architecture, rich woodwork, and important law collection, Munich’s Municipal Law Library stands out as one of the most renowned libraries worldwide. Visitors are awed by its beauty and specialized legal content!

11. Livraria Lello, Portugal

The Livraria Lello bookstore is located in Porto, Portugal. It boasts dazzling features:

• Art Nouveau design — flowing, organic style
• Intricately carved wooden staircases
• Huge stained glass windows filtering in light

This bookstore inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical description of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books! Many Potterheads visit just to see this real life “Hogwarts Library.”

With its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and intricately decorated interior, Livraria Lello has become one of the most renowned libraries worldwide among fans of books and magic alike!

12. Abbey Library of Saint Gall, Switzerland

The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is located in St. Gallen, Switzerland. It has eye-catching features like:

• Elaborate Rococo architecture and decorations
• Painted ceilings with frescoes and medallions
• Collection of rare medieval manuscripts

This monastery library is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its expansive archives preserve many ancient texts documenting Europe’s history during the Middle Ages.

With its magnificent Rococo design and rare manuscript collection, the Abbey Library is ranked among the most renowned libraries worldwide. Visitors marvel at its beauty and precious medieval records!

13. National Library of France

The National Library of France has:

• Multiple iconic buildings with different styles
• Huge collection of French literature and historic documents

As the national library, it preserves France’s cultural history — over 40 million books, maps, manuscripts, and more!

With holdings spanning the past 1,000 years, the National Library helps demonstrate why France itself is so renowned worldwide for art, innovations, and ideas!

14. Library of Parliament, Canada

Canada’s stunning Library of Parliament features:

• Gothic Revival architecture — grand arches, vaulted ceiling
• Circular reading room surrounded by shelves of books
• Important Canadian documents and records

In addition to its beauty, the Library of Parliament lets visitors learn about and explore Canada’s rich political history.

With its iconic Victorian design and immense collection, the Library of Parliament is a fitting “jewel in the crown” of parliamentary buildings — and one of Canada’s most renowned treasures!

15. New York Public Library, USA

The New York Public Library is home to:

• Grand Beaux-Arts architecture with ornate details
• Popular Rose Main Reading Room with large chandeliers
• Iconic marble lion statues guarding the entrance

In addition to books, the New York Public Library provides resources and spaces to learn. Over 2 million people visit its iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building each year!

Few libraries in the world are as renowned or beloved as the New York Public Library. It exemplifies knowledge and culture!

16. Joanina Library, Portugal

The Joanina Library in Portugal boasts:

• Elegant Baroque architecture and decor
• Shelves and furniture with intricate gilded woodwork
• Collection of many rare texts and ancient books

To protect its precious books from insects, Joanina Library uses bats, which eat the bugs! This clever solution shows how libraries preserve history.

With its beautiful design and ingenious use of bats, the Joanina Library has become globally renowned as one of the most dazzling Baroque libraries on Earth!

17. Austrian National Library, Austria

The Austrian National Library in Vienna boasts majestic features like:

• Elegant Baroque architecture with grand arches
• Huge hall with beautifully painted frescoed ceilings
• Collection of historic books, maps, and documents

As the biggest library in Austria, it holds an invaluable national collection of literature, recordings, papyri texts, and decorative globes.

With its magnificent Baroque design and priceless archives, the Austrian National Library is considered one of the most renowned libraries worldwide. It preserves Austria’s history under one ornamented roof!

18. Bodleian Library, England

The historic Bodleian Library in Oxford, England features:

• Gothic architecture — towers, arches, vaulted ceilings
• Large collection of medieval manuscripts
• Shelves upon shelves of precious rare texts

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, with parts dating back to the 14th century! It serves a vital role supporting academic research at Oxford University.

With its Gothic buildings and vast archives of manuscripts, the Bodleian Library stands out globally as a truly renowned library. Scholars have studied its texts for centuries!

19. State Law Library of Iowa, USA

The State Law Library of Iowa in Des Moines features:

• Grand Victorian architecture — full of ornament
• Elaborately carved wooden bookshelves and desks
• Twin spiral staircases leading up to a gallery

While public libraries focus on books, media, and digital access, this specialty library collects vital legal reference texts for lawmakers and courts.

With its magnificent Victorian design and important law collection, the State Law Library of Iowa has become renowned worldwide among legal scholars and history buffs alike!

20. Szabo Ervin Library, Hungary

The Szabo Ervin Library in Budapest has:

• Eclectic architecture — unique mix of varied styles
• Baroque-style interiors with frescoes and chandeliers
• Huge grand reading rooms full of books

Unlike historic libraries, Szabo Ervin blends a classic look and modern technology. Visitors can study scrolls or use computers!

This Hungarian library deserves global recognition for blending access, history, and breathtaking architecture into one awe-inspiring renowned destination!

21. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina

The El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires stands out with:

• Originally built as a theater and converted into a bookstore/library
• Elegant balconies facing the grande main stage
• Ornate carvings, curtains, and theater boxes

Unlike most libraries, El Ateneo Grand Splendid creatively transformed a former stage and theater into a home for books! The curtains, balconies, and boxes that once held theatergoers now display and store literature instead of props.

This adaptively redesigned theater epitomizes beautiful libraries for the way it blends art, culture, and architectural creativity all in one location!

22. Morgan Library & Museum, USA

The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City features:

• Neoclassical architecture — elegant symmetry and columns
• Vast collection of rare manuscripts and books
• Rotating art exhibits and cultural programs

The Morgan Library & Museum, which was formerly the private library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan in 1906, welcomes visitors to take in its priceless artwork and rare books while amidst breathtaking architecture.

Few settings rival the beauty of the Morgan Library & Museum. Its dazzling Neoclassical design and rare collections cement its reputation as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!

23. Vatican Apostolic Library, Vatican City

The Vatican’s library features majestic:

• Renaissance architecture — spacious rooms, high ceilings
• Priceless collection of ancient manuscripts and documents
• Towering shelves filled with centuries of religious texts

As one of the oldest libraries on Earth, the Vatican Apostolic Library contains some of history’s most precious writings — like ancient Biblical scripts, mathematical treatises from antiquity, and correspondence between popes and kings from over a thousand years ago!

From its ornate Renaissance halls to its invaluable archives, few places represent the sheer wonder of human knowledge more beautifully than the Vatican Apostolic Library — making it undeniably one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!

Conclusion — A List of Beautiful Libraries in the World

The libraries featured in this article showcase some of the most gorgeous architecture and design found in these monumental buildings around the globe. From ornate frescoes to soaring galleries filled with books, these beautiful libraries demonstrate incredible human creativity on display.

While photos may capture parts of their beauty, nothing compares to wandering through the stacks yourself! If you can, try to visit these libraries in real life. If not, look for virtual tours online to explore them further.

Hopefully this article inspired you to appreciate the dazzling art and design found in libraries worldwide. Let us know which of these libraries stands out to you the most, or share your experiences visiting other beautiful book buildings by commenting below! There are so many beautiful libraries in the world — which one will you discover next?