10 Beautiful Libraries and Bookstores Around the World You Must Visit Someday!

There’s usually a library in every town that anyone can use. But around the world, there are countless libraries so beautiful that you might find yourself admiring their interiors more than reading the books.

1. Mexico / Vasconcelos Library

Located in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, the Vasconcelos Library is known as the "Floating Library." Its unique design makes the bookshelves, which are normally placed on the ground, appear as if they are floating in mid-air, resembling a scene from a sci-fi movie. Designed by local Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, the library is highly praised for its clever use of open space.

2. USA / New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a massive library system consisting of three central libraries, over 80 branches across New York City, and four research libraries. It boasts about 52 million items and receives around 1.8 million visitors annually. With its grand chandeliers and ceiling paintings depicting Greek mythology, visitors may find themselves more captivated by the luxurious interior than the books. It is also famous as a filming location for iconic movies like Spider-Man and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

3. Argentina / El Ateneo

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, "El Ateneo" was named the second most beautiful bookstore in the world by The Guardian in 2008. Originally built in the early 20th century as a theater for tango shows, it later became a cinema, and in 2000, was transformed into a store of Argentina’s major bookstore chain, "El Ateneo."

Inside the former theater, there is also a café space where you can relax and read a book.

4. Austria / Admont Abbey Library

In the small town of Admont, Austria, you’ll find the breathtaking Admont Abbey Library, a symbol of the town itself. Built in 1776 in the late Baroque style, the library features stunning frescoes depicting mythology, science, and the arts. The beauty of the space creates an illusion of being in heaven while still inside a library.

5. China / Tianjin Binhai Library

Opened in 2017 in Tianjin, China, the Tianjin Binhai Library is a masterpiece designed by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV. The interior is wrapped in white, featuring a striking giant sphere at its center. Even the stairs double as bookshelves, creating a unique design where people sitting and reading on the steps become part of the artwork.

6. Netherlands / Amsterdam University Library

The Amsterdam University Library in the Netherlands has become a hot topic because of its bright orange book pick-up station, which looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its atmosphere is said to resemble Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. With this system, you can easily pick up reserved books without searching through the shelves.

▲ By the way, the nearby Amsterdam Central Library is also a must-visit spot.

7. Portugal / Livraria Lello

Located in Porto, Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage city, the "Livraria Lello" bookstore was founded in 1894 by the Lello brothers. It's rumored that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, lived nearby during her writing days, and that this bookstore inspired the magical world of Harry Potter. Since then, it has become a sacred destination for Harry Potter fans from around the world.

The spiral staircase at the center of the store is even called the "Stairway to Heaven" and is said to resemble the moving staircases of Hogwarts.

8. Ukraine / Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine

The Vernadsky National Library in Kyiv, Ukraine, preserves the strong influence of Ukraine’s Soviet past. Its ceiling is filled with circular windows, and there are murals reminiscent of communism — clear examples of modernist and brutalist architecture from the former Eastern Bloc.

This library gained worldwide attention when it was used as the filming location for KPOP group NCT's music video "BOSS" in 2018. Almost the entire MV was shot here, making it easily recognizable for KPOP fans.

9. Japan / Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos

So far, we’ve introduced libraries and bookstores from around the world, but Japan also has its share of impressive spots.

Located in Gifu Prefecture, Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos is a complex facility that houses the Gifu City Central Library, a civic activity exchange center, and exhibition galleries. Designed by one of Japan's leading architects, Toyo Ito, the most striking feature is the mushroom-like reading spaces hanging from the ceiling.

The theme of the facility is "a park," aiming to create a place where people of all ages, genders, and occupations can gather, interact, and enjoy themselves just like in a park.

10. Japan / Kadokawa Musashino Museum

Lastly, introducing one of Japan’s largest cultural hubs, Tokorozawa Sakura Town, which opened in November 2020 in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. Inside is the Kadokawa Musashino Museum, a new-concept museum that combines a library, museum, and art gallery.

Its stone exterior, designed by Kengo Kuma, the architect of the new National Stadium, is a must-see.

The "Bookshelf Theater" is especially breathtaking — an 8-meter-high, 360-degree giant bookshelf inspired by the structure of the human brain, designed by Kuma himself. Around 30,000 books are displayed here.

Additionally, the "Manga and Light Novel Library" is packed with light novels from the KADOKAWA Group, making it the "library with the most light novels in Japan."

A Journey Through Books

How was it? From historical libraries to cutting-edge modern facilities, libraries around the world are filled with unique character. It would be amazing to spend time reading in these beautiful spaces, adding new colors to our lives!

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