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    Biblioteca Vasconcelos

    4.7 (67 reviews)
    Open 8:30 am - 7:30 pm

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    Alexis B.

    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.

    Tony X.

    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

    Library shelves
    Jocelyn H.

    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!

    Garden
    Michael G.

    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.

    Library inside
    Shayal N.

    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.

    Neha A.

    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!

    Caili C.

    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.

    Jacqueline D.

    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.

    Lucia P.

    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!

    Isaiah G.

    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.

    Andrea C.

    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.

    Alex K.

    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!!!

    Jennifer S.

    Your mind will be blown away by the architecture. Wander and enjoy. Get a pass for photography and get lost in this place.

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    Biblioteca Vasconcelos Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Biblioteca Vasconcelos

    I had it bookmarked for a while and I knew I had to visit during my trip to CDMX.

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    Biblioteca Central UNAM

    Biblioteca Central UNAM

    4.8(10 reviews)
    13.2 kmCiudad Universitaria

    We stopped by the Central Library of UNAM a few weeks ago when we were exploring the area for a…read moreday. As the main library of the biggest university in Mexico (and Latin America), it holds one of the largest collections in Mexico (holding over a million volumes - including over 500,000 books). But we were there for the art and architecture! The building is covered with a mosaic mural - Historical Representation of Culture - by the Mexican artist Juan O'Gorman. The mosaic mural (made of tiles of different stones in 12 different colors - including turquoise) is one of the reasons UNESCO proclaimed the library (and the central campus) a world heritage site. The building also has basalt fountains and decorative reliefs inspired by pre-Hispanic art and a section of the facade covered with natural colored stones that allow light through. It's a pretty amazing building, and you can learn a lot about Mexican history and culture from the murals on the building. I recommend checking it out on your own or as part of a tour if you're visiting Mexico City and are interesting in exploring UNAM.

    A 30-minute Uber ride from the Centro Historico is a mural-covered library worth the trip. On the…read morecampus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico is a 10-story library covered with Juan O'Gorman murals on all sides. Without the murals, the building itself is boxy and not very impressive. With the colorful murals, the building stands out on campus and is worth a visit for anyone who loves architecture, design or art. Once you're done seeing the library, explore the campus. There are several huge grassy areas where people picnic or walk their dogs.

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    Biblioteca Central UNAM
    Biblioteca Central UNAM
    Biblioteca Central UNAM

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    Biblioteca Vasconcelos - libraries - Updated July 2026

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