World's 10 Most Beautiful Libraries in 2025

In a celebration of architectural grandeur and literary heritage, 1000 Libraries, a global community of bibliophiles, has revealed its 2025 list of the world’s most breathtaking libraries, chosen through an online vote by nearly 200,000 book lovers worldwide. Evolving from a humble blog into a prominent platform, the One Thousand Libraries Awards honors libraries that transcend their role as mere repositories of books, weaving together history, artistry, and captivating narratives. Below is a vivid exploration of the top 10 libraries, each a testament to human creativity and intellectual legacy:

Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of Dublin, Ireland’s largest library is a treasure trove of rare manuscripts, including the 9th-century Book of Kells, a masterpiece of medieval calligraphy. The library’s iconic Long Room, a 65-meter corridor lined with dark oak shelves, houses 200,000 ancient volumes under a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Marble busts of literary giants adorn the space, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Entry requires a €33.50 ticket (approximately Tk 4,700), offering access to this literary cathedral.

State Library of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia

Located in Adelaide, this library is a cultural gem, renowned for its Victorian-era Mortlock Chamber, with intricate ironwork and a soaring glass ceiling. Beyond its 40,000-book collection, the basement holds a quirky archive of historic board games and once served as a workspace for taxidermists. The library’s blend of scholarly resources and eclectic artifacts makes it a unique destination for curious minds.

St. Gallen Abbey Library, Switzerland

Tucked in Switzerland’s northeast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1983) is among the world’s oldest libraries, dating back to the 8th century. Housed in a former Benedictine abbey, its medieval manuscripts are preserved in a Baroque hall adorned with ornate frescoes. Once a pivotal European cultural hub until 1805, it remains a sanctuary for scholars and history enthusiasts.

Duke Humfrey’s Library, Oxford, UK

A library within a library, this is the oldest reading room of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, steeped in medieval charm. Its ancient shelves once held books chained to prevent theft, a practice reflected in its historical aura. In 1447, Duke Humfrey, son of King Henry IV, donated 281 manuscripts, but only three survived the Protestant Reformation’s purge. Today, its tomes are read only in designated Bodleian rooms, preserving their sanctity.

Admont Abbey Library, Austria

The world’s largest monastic library, this Austrian marvel boasts a 70-meter Baroque hall illuminated by seven vibrant frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte. Housing over 60,000 books, its golden shelves and intricate ceiling art create a breathtaking ambiance. The active Benedictine monastery, home to resident monks, adds a living spiritual dimension to this architectural masterpiece.

Cuypers Library, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Nestled within Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, this neo-Gothic library is the Netherlands’ premier archive for art history. Surrounded by Rembrandt’s masterpieces, visitors can peruse books or explore museum collections via iPads, all while immersed in the library’s ornate woodwork and stained-glass elegance. Its seamless blend of scholarship and artistry captivates all who enter.

State Library Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s oldest public library and one of the world’s first free libraries, its octagonal La Trobe Reading Room is a six-story architectural marvel. With space for 320 readers and 32,000 books, its domed ceiling evokes a sacred space. Vincent Fan, founder of One Thousand Libraries, recalls studying there, describing it as “walking into a church where knowledge is revered and stories are worshipped.”

Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Modeled after a 16th-century Portuguese monastery, this Rio de Janeiro gem houses the largest Portuguese-language book collection outside Portugal. Its soaring shelves, gilded with intricate carvings, host rare volumes and cultural events, making it a vibrant literary and social hub that pulses with Brazilian and Portuguese heritage.

Wiblingen Monastery Library, Ulm, Germany

A hidden treasure within a 1093 Benedictine monastery, this Rococo masterpiece in Ulm is adorned with statues and paintings of mythological and biblical figures. Its serene atmosphere, due to fewer visitors, enhances its allure as a “hidden gem” where history and art converge in quiet splendor.

Sainte-Geneviève Library, Paris, France

Built in the 6th century in Paris’s vibrant Latin Quarter, this library’s iron-supported, sloping roof forms a majestic dome that seems to “touch the sky,” as Vincent Fan describes. Its intricate design and historical depth make it a beacon of intellectual and architectural brilliance, drawing visitors into its timeless embrace.