The largest library in Germany — The Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Center in Berlin
The Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Library of the Humboldt University, Berlin is recommended for literature and architectureovers alike. With around 2 million volumes, it is the largest library in Germany and, thanks to its design, probably the most impressive.
Where Literature Meets Architecture: Explore Germany's Largest Library
The building, which opened at the end of 2009, fits perfectly into the cultural mile between the theaters and the Museum Island and also forms a new city center next to the S-Bahn station Friedrichstraße. It is a ten-story building designed by Swiss architect Max Dudler.
On the one hand, the façade, with its variously wide windows, is rather simple but also very prominent. Behind the narrow windows are bookshelves, behind the broader windows are working stations with nice views of the silhouette of Berlin. But the gem of the library is in its core, whose reading room is unique in its dimensions and design. The distribution of the reading rooms in multistory podium-like floors is really impressive. It also has a glass roof, which always provides optimal lighting conditions. The hall is 70 meters long, 12 meters wide and 20 meters high.
We recommend everyone to stand on the highest terrace and enjoy the view from there. In the basement there are more than 1300 lockers available, which can be used with a self-brought padlock. If you happen to be there, you can also browse through the gigantic collection of books. In addition, there is a small cafeteria, video conferencing rooms and an auditorium with around 180 seats. With an opening time until midnight, you can really spend the whole day there. So if you are interested in extraordinary buildings and generally like libraries, you should not miss this library on your next visit to Berlin!
Address, opening hours…
Address: Geschwister-Scholl-Strasse 1-3, 10117 Berlin
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 24:00, Sat - Sun 10:00 - 22:00, on public holidays 10:00 - 22:00
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Where Literature Meets Architecture: Explore Germany's Largest Library
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