11 Most Instagrammable College Libraries Around The World
The digital age has transformed the way we perceive and interact with our surroundings. Instagram, a platform that thrives on aesthetics, has become a tool for showcasing the beauty of the world around us. One such beauty lies in the heart of college campuses - their libraries. These structures, often overlooked, are a blend of architectural marvel and intellectual sanctuary. This article will take you on a visual journey through 11 of the most Instagrammable college libraries around the globe, each with its own unique charm and story.
The George Peabody Library, Johns Hopkins University
The George Peabody Library at Johns Hopkins University is a testament to the grandeur of the 19th-century neo-Grec design. Its five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies filled with books, reaching towards a latticed skylight, create an awe-inspiring view. The library is a popular spot for Instagrammers who want to capture its symmetrical beauty and the play of light and shadow.
The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University
Yale University's Beinecke Library, with its unique marble-paneled exterior, is a modernist delight. The interior, home to one of the world’s largest collections of rare books, is bathed in a warm, ethereal light that filters through the thin marble walls. The central glass tower, containing thousands of books, is a sight to behold and a favorite among Instagrammers.
The Old Library, Trinity College Dublin
The Old Library at Trinity College Dublin, home to the famous Book of Kells, is a masterpiece of the 18th century. Its Long Room, with its towering wooden bookshelves and barrel-vaulted ceiling, offers a sense of stepping back in time. The sight of ancient books, lined up against the backdrop of the library's richly detailed architecture, is a must-capture for any Instagram feed.
The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago
The futuristic Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago is a stunning blend of technology and design. Its elliptical glass dome, which allows natural light to flood the reading room, and the underground automated storage and retrieval system, make it a unique and Instagram-worthy location.
The Suzzallo Library, University of Washington
The Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington, with its Hogwarts-like Reading Room, is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans and architecture lovers alike. Its intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and towering bookshelves offer a magical ambience that is hard to resist capturing.
The Biblioteca Joanina, University of Coimbra
The Biblioteca Joanina in Portugal is a Baroque masterpiece. Its ornate wooden interiors, decorated with gold leaf, frescoes, and exotic woods, and the colony of bats that protect the books from insects, make it one of the most unique and Instagrammable libraries in the world.
The Philological Library, Free University of Berlin
The Philological Library at the Free University of Berlin, designed by Norman Foster, resembles a human brain and is a marvel of energy-efficient design. The library's unique architecture, combined with its commitment to sustainability, makes it a popular spot for Instagrammers.
The Admont Library, Admont Abbey
The Admont Library in Austria, the world's largest monastic library, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Its grand frescoes, intricate carvings, and the seven ceiling paintings, representing the various stages of human knowledge, make it a perfect location for a stunning Instagram shot.
The Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, is a testament to the Gothic architectural style. Its historic Duke Humfrey’s Reading Room, with its richly carved wooden ceiling and rows of antique books, offers a visually rich experience that is perfect for Instagram.
The Wren Library, Trinity College Cambridge
The Wren Library at Trinity College Cambridge, with its large arched windows that let in abundant natural light, is a classic example of Christopher Wren's architectural genius. Its marble busts of notable scholars and the manuscript of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh add to its charm and Instagrammability.
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto, housing some of the most unique collections in the world, is a modernist gem. Its towering bookshelves, visible from the exterior through the large glass panels, create a striking visual that is a hit on Instagram.
These libraries, each with their unique architectural styles and rich collections, offer much more than a quiet place to study. They are a testament to the power of design and knowledge, and a source of inspiration for students, scholars, and visitors alike. So, the next time you visit a college campus, don't forget to explore its library – you might just find your next Instagram hit.
