Beautiful Libraries Around the World

There is something special about a big beautiful room full of books. For those that love to read, there is nothing quite as exciting as a magical library, full of mysterious tales and heartwarming stories.

French photographer Franck Bohbot loves reading so much he decided to travel the world in search of the most beautiful libraries. Franck recently moved to New York in 2013, and has since traveled near and far in search of exquisite locations to check out a good book and take a stunning photo.

Some of the most jaw-dropping libraries he has yet to photograph include Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the Biblioteca Angelica in Rome. And of course, he has visited his own local New York Public Library. Check out some of the most majestically beautiful libraries from around the world thanks to Franck Bohbot’s talented photo series House of Books.

Bibliothèque du Sénat, Paris

Libraries hold so much history and knowledge, not just in the form of great books but also old artifacts, as well as architecture dating back hundreds of years. Each library is so different, yet so much the same with endless rows of books, cozy desks made to lose track of time, and the comforting scent of unlimited well-read books to choose from.

Bibliothèque Mazarine, Paris

Bohbot was born in 1980 in a suburb of Paris, France and has worked as a freelance photographer for many years. In 2008, Bohbot shifted his focus to public spaces, urban landscapes, and most recently, environmental portraits. Bohbot has won a number of awards, including a 2013 1st place International Photo Award for a photo of a swimming pool.

Bohbot still considers his series House of Books a work in progress, although his partially complete collection has already earned a good deal of media attention. Bohbot’s work has been featured on a number of well-ranked art websites, as well as big print publications like The New York Times Magazine, CNN International, and Wired Magazine.

Biblioteca Angelica, Rome

Bohbot prides himself on creating documentary-style photos that capture an unusual atmosphere. Some of the other unexpected, but super cool locations Bohbot has photographed include theaters, train stations, museums, swimming pools and courts.

Boston Public Library, Boston, USA

The Public Library was established back in 1848 as the first municipal library in all of the United States. The library was originally opened in an old schoolhouse, but with over 16, 000 books at the time of its opening it was clear the library would soon require larger quarters. The same year the library was opened it was authorized a new and improved location, the same building on Boylston Street it still calls home today.

Bibliothèque Sainte Geneviève, Paris

Check out that beautiful detailed ceiling of this public and university library. The architectural detailing is not the only thing to check out at this exquisite institution known to contain over 2 million documents, including the collection of the Abbey of St Genevieve.

Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne, Paris

I will gladly study for hours near the beautifully adorned windows of this stunning location used as an inter-university library located in Paris.

“I make pictures with my heart. Photography is moment of solitude, happiness and pain.” -Franck Bohbot

Biblioteca Vallicelliana in Rome, Italy

This incredible library is located in the Oratorio dei Filippini complex, which was built by Francesco Borromini in Piazza della Chiesa Nuov. Established back in 1565, there are many awesome artifacts you will find here, including a Bible of Alcuin dating back to the 9th century. This Italian library is also known for its possession of documents from the time of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.