Biblioteca Vasconcelos Photos
Recommended Reviews - Biblioteca Vasconcelos
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The massive, open layout with its hanging bookshelves feels unique and makes it fun to wander around. The endless rows of shelves and multi-level walkways feel like something out of the movie Inception. Even if you are not a big reader, it's worth stopping by for the architecture!
We went over to Biblioteca Vasconcelos, more so as tourists, rather than as users of the library's services. As you can see from the photo, the shelving structure is unique and not something you'd see in most libraries. We wandered around the library and took photos from various angles. There's also a garden for those who want to go outside
Biblioteca Vasconcelos is definitely a surreal well-known spot in Mexico City. The architecture has this dystopian, floating-shelves aesthetic you definitely won't find in any library in the U.S. It's definitely more of a tourist attraction than a place to sit and read which you can tell from the chatting crowds, and you'll be climbing a lot of stairs as you explore. Also, no professional cameras or digicams are allowed. There's also a small, peaceful garden outside that's perfect for a quick break. Worth a visit for the visuals alone!
It took me three trips to Mexico City to make it to the Biblioteca Vasconcelos, but I finally made it on my most recent trip last week. I'd seen photos of the library many times, but the library was still a surprise. Designed by Mexican architects Alberto Kalach and Juan Palomar - and finished in 2006 - the library is like no library I've seen before. With its shelves suspended several floors in the air, the Biblioteca Vasconcelos looks like a library of the future. (There is a rumor that the library's architecture allegedly inspired the tesseract scene in Interstellar.) It's free to enter, so you can talk in, wander, and take as many pictures as you want. I thought we would only spend a few minutes inside, but we probably spent about a half hour taking in the architecture from different levels of the library. It's an incredible piece of modern architecture, and it's worth a stop if you're in the area. And with other attractions (Kiosco Morisco, el Museo del Instituto de Geología de la UNAM, Museo Universitario del Chopo, and Fundación Casa Wabi - Sabino) and a metro station (Buenavista) nearby, you can make a morning or afternoon of it.
What an incredible library!. It looks like something Christopher Nolan would create for one of his movies. The interior is a combination of art, books, and a beautiful outdoor yard. Centrally located and near several points of mass transit, access is easy and free. The outdoor space is full of wildlife and. Various plant life and flowers. I recommend going when they open as this place gets crowded in the afternoon and on the weekends.
This library is so beautiful and gigantic! I went to explore this area during my time in Mexico City. You don't need to pay to get in, it's free however access is limited unless you're a member. The service is a bit spotty for Ubers, so I would be prepared for that. There are some taxis locally and there is a train station right across as well.
Enormous space full of books, peace, and cool architecture = yes please! A not-to-be-missed site and experience if you're in Mexico City. The architecture is really neat with the layers and layers of "floating steel" - there is a futuristic feel to it. The top floor has pretty views of the city. And the library is completely free!
We came to visit the library and see the unique architecture and shelving. It's easy to visit via public transportation and is open + free to the public. We didn't stay for long but it's fun to take pictures from the main hall and wander the different levels for a bit.
INCREDIBLE library, you must make this a stop if only for the architecture and design. It's absolutely magnificent! It's quiet, clean and also has outdoor balcony areas.
An absolutely beautiful library! As others have mentioned, taking an Uber here and back would be ideal. The library is enormous, has a garden, and has many balconies where you can appreciate the city. I took a film camera so they required for me to request a visitor pass with my ID. The same would apply for a digital camera just to ensure the photos would not lead to profit. There are so many books and it's truly such a beautiful and unique experience to visit here when in Mexico City!
I've seen this place everywhere and always wanted to come. It's not in the best area so please come with caution. The place does have metal detectors and security. It doesn't look like much on the outside but wait till you go in. It's the biggest library I've ever been to. It's actually a little intimidating looking up. There was a big kids section. All the staff was very nice and helpful. There's millions of books. A lot of art to check out and it's completely free. This is a great picture opportunity.
it literally feels like a movie in here- definitely worth the stop. it is a very clean, organized, and quiet library. not to mention beautiful.
The most interesting looking library! A must visit if you're in Mexico City. If you make content it's also the best visually for videos and pictures. Check it out!!!
This is such a cool library, not your typical library. Very intricate design with multiple floors. The bookshelves look like it's floating in the air. Plenty of places to sit at. Locals come here to study/work. Professional photographs were not allowed unless you have a permit so you can only use your phones. Staff were friendly and helpful. Walking up the stairs were a challenge because of the high altitude in CDMX. This was a fun sightseeing to add to our list so I would recommend checking it out. read more
Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a library located in Mexico City but it's not just a typical library. It's a unique library that has a futuristic design with floating bookshelves all over. Like other libraries this one is free and you should not make too much noise because people are still here reading or focusing. The library spans multiple floors and was a little dim and it was hard to take pictures. However, the architecture was still really cool to see. I wouldn't come out of my way to come here but I was planning on visiting the area so it was a nice stop. read more
7 months ago
The massive, open layout with its hanging bookshelves feels unique and makes it fun to wander around. The endless rows of shelves and multi-level walkways feel like something out of the movie Inception. Even if you are not a big reader, it's worth stopping by for the architecture! read more
We went over to Biblioteca Vasconcelos, more so as tourists, rather than as users of the library's services. As you can see from the photo, the shelving structure is unique and not something you'd see in most libraries. We wandered around the library and took photos from various angles. There's also a garden for those who want to go outside read more
1 year ago
Biblioteca Vasconcelos is definitely a surreal well-known spot in Mexico City. The architecture has this dystopian, floating-shelves aesthetic you definitely won't find in any library in the U.S. It's definitely more of a tourist attraction than a place to sit and read which you can tell from the chatting crowds, and you'll be climbing a lot of stairs as you explore. Also, no professional cameras or digicams are allowed. There's also a small, peaceful garden outside that's perfect for a quick break. Worth a visit for the visuals alone! read more
It took me three trips to Mexico City to make it to the Biblioteca Vasconcelos, but I finally made it on my most recent trip last week. I'd seen photos of the library many times, but the library was still a surprise. Designed by Mexican architects Alberto Kalach and Juan Palomar - and finished in 2006 - the library is like no library I've seen before. With its shelves suspended several floors in the air, the Biblioteca Vasconcelos looks like a library of the future. (There is a rumor that the library's architecture allegedly inspired the tesseract scene in Interstellar.) It's free to enter, so you can talk in, wander, and take as many pictures as you want. I thought we would only spend a few minutes inside, but we probably spent about a half hour taking in the architecture from different levels of the library. It's an incredible piece of modern architecture, and it's worth a stop if you're in the area. And with other attractions (Kiosco Morisco, el Museo del Instituto de Geología de la UNAM, Museo Universitario del Chopo, and Fundación Casa Wabi - Sabino) and a metro station (Buenavista) nearby, you can make a morning or afternoon of it. read more
8 months ago
What an incredible library!. It looks like something Christopher Nolan would create for one of his movies. The interior is a combination of art, books, and a beautiful outdoor yard. Centrally located and near several points of mass transit, access is easy and free. The outdoor space is full of wildlife and. Various plant life and flowers. I recommend going when they open as this place gets crowded in the afternoon and on the weekends. read more
This library is so beautiful and gigantic! I went to explore this area during my time in Mexico City. You don't need to pay to get in, it's free however access is limited unless you're a member. The service is a bit spotty for Ubers, so I would be prepared for that. There are some taxis locally and there is a train station right across as well. read more
Enormous space full of books, peace, and cool architecture = yes please! A not-to-be-missed site and experience if you're in Mexico City. The architecture is really neat with the layers and layers of "floating steel" - there is a futuristic feel to it. The top floor has pretty views of the city. And the library is completely free! read more
We came to visit the library and see the unique architecture and shelving. It's easy to visit via public transportation and is open + free to the public. We didn't stay for long but it's fun to take pictures from the main hall and wander the different levels for a bit. read more
11 months ago
INCREDIBLE library, you must make this a stop if only for the architecture and design. It's absolutely magnificent! It's quiet, clean and also has outdoor balcony areas. read more
An absolutely beautiful library! As others have mentioned, taking an Uber here and back would be ideal. The library is enormous, has a garden, and has many balconies where you can appreciate the city. I took a film camera so they required for me to request a visitor pass with my ID. The same would apply for a digital camera just to ensure the photos would not lead to profit. There are so many books and it's truly such a beautiful and unique experience to visit here when in Mexico City! read more
I've seen this place everywhere and always wanted to come. It's not in the best area so please come with caution. The place does have metal detectors and security. It doesn't look like much on the outside but wait till you go in. It's the biggest library I've ever been to. It's actually a little intimidating looking up. There was a big kids section. All the staff was very nice and helpful. There's millions of books. A lot of art to check out and it's completely free. This is a great picture opportunity. read more
1 year ago
The Architecture is simply astounding. It compels you to want to study. There are many areas to read or meditate or just be still outside and observe the beauty or read in solitude or with a group. They have many sections to work on computers or to charge your phone or laptop. We just happen to come during one of the special exhibits, which was free to the public and just awesome. And although I can read less than minimal Spanish I feel compelled to begin reading and studying. read more
1 year ago
Your mind will be blown away by the architecture. Wander and enjoy. Get a pass for photography and get lost in this place. read more
2 years ago
I really liked the library and I think that it being fully free is a huge win for MXC as this allows for people to have access to knowledge (parenting, educational, interests) with little difficulty. Computers are free as well which is good for the community. read more
2 years ago
What a nice place to visit and read some books, you also can study at this magnificent place. A great library where you can use your imagination. read more
3 years ago
This is such an incredible library! I had it bookmarked for a while and I knew I had to visit during my trip to CDMX. My friend lives nearby so we walked on over. Upon arrival, there were security guards standing at the entrance and they checked our bags. Entrance is free. Once inside you are quickly surrounded by book shelves that look like they are floating in the air and it looks so cool. They also have a garden outside where you can walk around. The inside was quiet and they had plenty of seating available. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Such a cool library, with "floating" shelves and architecture. Admission is also free. They do a bag check on the way out. There is also a quiet garden off to the side near h Th e entrance. As with most Mexico City restrooms, they weren't great. Reception also wasn't that great around and outside the library, in case you're trying to get an Uber. read more
3 years ago
This is a free public library that you don't need a ticket for. Food and drink isn't allowed inside. Inside you'll find what looks like a Jedi temple! The books are layered on shelves hanging down from the ceiling. You can easily spend time here photographing the library as much as you could studying. It's worth a visit just for the architecture. Security inside is tight and will check bags. read more
Mi amiga y yo exploramos esta biblioteca hermosa por como una hora. Tiene tantos libros, pisos, y lugares para relajarse uno (por dentro y afuera en terrazas). Se puede ver la vista de la ciudad por sus ventanas en los pisos mas altos. Nos encanto la experiencia!! read more
1 year ago
I had been here years ago, and I returned today because I thought it would be an excellent place to work. There is an abundance of desks and places to sit, with large open space and huge windows to help you be productive. However- the No WiFi killed my plan right in it's tracks. After checking my phone there seems to be a WiFi signal with the name BN, however as I learned that WiFi is reserved for just the 5 busy employees. In fact, I asked two separate employees about the WiFi and I was told 'No' and as usual nobody has any idea at all as to whether the lack of WiFi is temporary or if and when it could be restored. I did not get the sense that anyone working here was I treated in helping anyone, rather chatting with their friends and colleague. I was hugely dissatisfied especially after walking all the way over here. This has to be The most modern library in all of Mexico and it's so so weird that they are not connected, and on top of that, nobody working here had a clue. read more
If you travel for design or are a photographer, run to this library. It's a public library in a massive building with books in plain site. Climb open metal stair cases to access the well-organized books, rooftop gardens, and balconies with city views. Find sculptures and vantage points throughout the open space. read more
Amazing public library. I visited just to see the architecture. The inside structure is unique and breathtaking. The bookshelves are literally hanging from the ceiling! A great place to take cool photos in as the natural lighting is excellent. There is ample seating and electrical outlets for you to do your best work. if I lived here, I could definitely see myself coming to read and study. Library provides a free bag check and a ton of computers. read more
8 years ago
This library is awesome, when they first built it the people were upset as to why there was so much money spent on it. But once you visit, you know it is very different than others. The floors are made of glass, and everything else is made of steel. As you walk in you go thru metal detectors and they will not let you go upstairs with a backpack, but you can leave it without charge in the middle of the common area in the first floor. When I visited, there was a Chinese exhibition, they were still setting up the details but it looked cool. From every angle you can see the beauty of the structure and how it was well built. On the top floor there is a relaxing area so you can sit and read. There are also computers for you to use. And if you want some fresh air, you can either walk out from the top floor to a balcony and see the surrounding neighborhood. There are plenty of books to look around and if you need help the people are friendly and helpful. I really liked the overall experience. This is a place to visit, the neighborhood to the east of it is not the best but to the west side of it there is a mall where you can eat shop and it is the terminal for the bus as well as the train. read more
8 years ago
8 years ago
The outside of the building is unassuming but once you're in, you are overtaken by the impressive architecture of the interior. We were only here for a short amount of time but every second was in awe of the bookshelves above us! Mexico City is full of architectural beauties and its library does not fall short one bit. read more
9 years ago
Beautiful and unique spot in CDMX! Amazing architecture, plenty of room to wander and sit, as well as clean bathrooms. A must-add to your list on the next visit to Mexico City! read more
9 years ago
9 years ago
This is in a regular neighborhood. This place is so beautiful, I would not have been surprise if it was in one of the fancier areas in town. The architecture is impressive. It is a great sight to see. I couldn't stay long but it was still worth the trip. I wouldn't break my neck to come here because it is a bit out of the way, but if you are in the area, it is worth a look! read more
The Biblioteca Vasconcelos (Vasconcelos Library) has a jaw dropping modern interior. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie of a library from the future. Except you're there now and it's 2014. From the ground floor, the 6 floors of bookcases seem to float impossibly above you, jutting out at angular lines. We came on a Friday evening around 6:30pm after a long walk from close to the Centro Historico. It took about 30 minutes to walk from the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) but that involves crossing a few big streets which can easily result in getting lost. I'd recommend taking the metro to Buenavista Station (directly next door to the library) or Guerrero Station (less than 10 minute walk if you don't want to have to transfer from Metro Line 3 to take it 1 station to Buenavista). If you have a backback, you must check it in on the first floor before heading up to any of the upper floors. The library was not very busy at all on a Friday evening and there were plenty of open computer stations, many of which were occupied by teenagers and college students surfing the web, updating Facebook, or just playing games. We spent about 45 minutes here wandering around the different floors taking photos. I'd highly recommend a brief visit here to see the modern side of Mexico City. read more
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