New Magnificent Photos of Beautiful Libraries around the World

Since 2011, French-born, New York-based photographer Franck Bohbot has traveled all over the world in a quest to document the captivating beauty of libraries for his ongoing series titled House of Books. From Rome to Tokyo to Paris, he creates a visual record of the cultural institutions that have served as sanctuaries of knowledge and learning for millennia.

Whether they are sleek and modern or adorned with centuries-old ornamentation, the breathtaking libraries that Bohbot photographs all share one thing in common–shelves and shelves of wonderful books. As we move forward into a more digital world, readers everywhere can take comfort in the everlasting importance of the written word in these scholarly havens, where patrons are always welcome to grab a tome, find a quiet corner, and lose themselves in a good book.

Above: Oval Reading Room, Bibliothque nationale de France (Paris, France)

Providence Athenaeum (Providence, Rhode Island, USA)

Biblioteca Angelica (Rome, Italy)

Fleet Library, Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, Rhode Island, USA)

Seikei University Library (Musashino, Tokyo, Japan)

Bibliothque interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne (Paris, France)

Bibliothque interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne (Paris, France)

Bibliothque historique de la ville de Paris (Paris, France)

Biblioteca Vallicelliana (Rome, Italy)

Franck Bohbot: Website | Instgram | Facebook | Twitter
via [arch atlas]

Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content