Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Library · Colonia Santa María la Ribera

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Library · Colonia Santa María la Ribera

4

Eje 1 Nte. S/N, Buenavista, Cuauhtémoc, 06350 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

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Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null
Biblioteca Vasconcelos by null

Highlights

Biblioteca Vasconcelos: a massive, sci-fi-inspired public library with floating bookshelves, lush gardens, rooftop views, and vibrant cultural vibes in CDMX.  

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Eje 1 Nte. S/N, Buenavista, Cuauhtémoc, 06350 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Get directions

bibliotecavasconcelos.gob.mx
@bibliotecavasconcelos

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Eje 1 Nte. S/N, Buenavista, Cuauhtémoc, 06350 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Get directions

+52 55 9157 2800
bibliotecavasconcelos.gob.mx
@bibliotecavasconcelos

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@michelinguide

Chef Lucho Martínez on His Very Edible Mexico City

"Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a massive and architecturally stunning public library." - David Shortell

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/lucho-martinez-mexico-city-favorite-restaurants
View Postcard for Biblioteca Vasconcelos
@afar

"A detour to the centrally located yet way-off-the-tourist-track neighborhood known as Buenavista leads to one of Mexico City’s most dazzling 21st-century landmarks, the Biblioteca Vasconcelos, a gorgeous public library. The structure,by Alberto Kalach and Juan Palomar, has the public entering a pyramid-style form, on an almost subterranean level, that opens up, cathedral-like, into a soaring space lined on either side by cantilevered book stacks that float nobly above it all. Dramatic artworks contribute to the overall temple-of-knowledge feeling that is, in fact, quite moving. More beautiful yet could be just how busy the library is, filled with eager students and bookworm families alongside (no joke) groups of teens always practicing pop-music dance routines in the library’s lateral gardens."

The Best Things to Do in Mexico City
View Postcard for Biblioteca Vasconcelos
@goop

"This massive public library is absolutely striking and worth the journey for anyone with an interest in architecture. Designed by Alberto Kalach, amazingly, the bookshelves actually form part of the building's structure, so that the individual book spines fill the space with thousands of colors. A Gabriel Orozco whale skeleton hangs in the lobby and there's a well-manicured botanical garden outside, just a couple more reasons why this space is so awesome to hang out in, regardless of whether you're checking out a book."

The Mexico City Guide
View Postcard for Biblioteca Vasconcelos
@victoire_loup

A library with quite interesting design, and you can stop by the mariachi plaza on your way there.

Mexico City
View Postcard for Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Karina Schulz

Google
Beautiful place to visit. If you're a student and need a quiet place to study, this is definitely perfect. If you're working remote, as long as you don't have meeting then it works. Isn't good if need to take calls and talk because the environment is quiet. I just went to walk and get to know the place and found it lovely. Not necessarily the comfy place where you would curl up in a corner and read a book, though. There are other libraries for that.

Federica M Micheli

Google
This beauty is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Never the brutalist style was more apt for a public spaces such as this. The scale is impressive, resembling the inside of a cavernous ship but with attention and care to smaller spaces as well. There are dedicated areas to kids and many green spaces outside that make you forget you’re in a massive city.

Danny

Google
Phenomenal library that is really a sight to behold. If you have a fear of heights, you’ve been warning, although there are elevators alongside the entrance. Bathrooms as well. I love the little outdoor nooks there are for quietly reading under the beautiful sun.

Wingspell

Google
What an incredible library! It is something straight out of a movie. As an avid reader and book lover I knew I had to visit this place while i was in town and i did not regret it! The area around the library is a bit run down but it didn't bother me any!

Alex Klénin

Google
I had been meaning to visit this library for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. The architecture is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it situation—pure brutalism—but it definitely leaves an impression. It feels somewhere between a warehouse and Hogwarts. You can check the photos and see for yourself. Inside, there are exhibitions; this time, there was something related to feminism, probably because March 8 had just passed. On a more practical note, you can actually sit down and read, use the internet, or even watch TV. However, many couples treat this place more like a lounge, making out and sprawling across the sofas. Beyond the library itself, there are balconies on each level with access to a garden, and the garden itself is overgrown with fragrant flowers. For some reason, there aren’t many fragrant flowers in Mexico City… No requirements to enter—just walk in. If you want to take photos with a professional camera, you need a permit. It’s free and can be obtained on the spot, but you’ll need some form of ID.

Bill Dahl

Google
An amazing architectural structure - seven floors. Fantastic staff. DSLR photographers required to possess an on-site permit to take photos. No fee. Spectacular with GREAT VIEWS from the 7th floor.

Yu-Han Chen

Google
Biblioteca Vasconcelos is an absolute architectural marvel—easily one of the most visually striking libraries. It’s the perfect place to kill time and soak in a truly unique atmosphere. The vast, floating bookshelves create this beautiful sense of vertical openness, while the natural light pouring in gives it a calming feel. Beyond the books, the library often features rotating art exhibitions—I was lucky enough to catch “Pueblo de la Lluvia” by Santiago Savi, which added an unexpected but meaningful layer of cultural richness to the visit. It’s a space that welcomes curiosity, quiet thought, and slow exploration.

Cherish Thanchan

Google
★★★★★ One of the most breathtaking libraries I’ve ever visited Biblioteca Vasconcelos is an architectural masterpiece. It gave me a brutalist vibe with its exposed concrete, steel, and massive scale—but softened by how much natural light pours through the glass and open structure. There’s something surreal about walking into a space so vast and quiet, with endless stairs, suspended walkways, and floating metal bookshelves that almost feel like they’re part of a futuristic sculpture. Designed by Mexican architect Alberto Kalach and opened in 2006, the library was meant to symbolize knowledge as a living, growing structure—and you feel that as you explore it. Every corner invites you to sit, read, or reflect. It’s not just a place for books, it’s a place for ideas and inspiration. The scale is overwhelming in the best way. Highly recommend stopping here even if you’re not planning to read—just walking through it is an experience. Bring a journal, bring your camera, bring your curiosity.
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Lucia P.

Yelp
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!
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Alex K.

Yelp
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!!!
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Isaiah G.

Yelp
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.
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Shefali P.

Yelp
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.
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Jasmine R.

Yelp
An enormous library in Mexico City that welcomes everyone for free. It is very well organized and even has an area for children. A balcony on top to look out the area as well. An amazing tourist selection as well as a place to get any kind of book.
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Jennifer B.

Yelp
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.
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Monica G.

Yelp
I am glad that this library is getting more hype and publicity because it's out of this world! I mean this is such a unique experience:). Take an Uber here if possible as it is not close to any other tourist attractions.
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Carolyn M.

Yelp
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.
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Michael B.

Yelp
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.
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Wendy R.

Yelp
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!!
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Christa M.

Yelp
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.
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Sierra S.

Yelp
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.
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Austin G.

Yelp
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.
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Luis P.

Yelp
This place is a dream, an architectural dream, and a bibliophile dream. They literally have so many books and plenty of out of print books. There is also a sculpture by Gabriel Orozco. It's worth it just for this. The open-air architecture of this place reminded me of the prison planet in Alien 3 or some otherworldly sci-fi movie. I heard that there is a vintage punk market that goes on here on Saturdays called Tianguis Cultural del Chopo. We didn't get to make it to this but I would recommend not missing it. We didn't have too much time to explore the library so I made my way towards the graphic design / Manga section upstairs and was happy to find a nice amount of Akira literature. I really wish we had more time to explore this place. Could have probably found so many amazing printed treasures! Hopefully, COVID doesn't hurt this place too much. It really seems like a lot of fo people used this space to work, study, and hangout.
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Adam R.

Yelp
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.
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Miguel M.

Yelp
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.
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Michael C.

Yelp
Donde esta la biblioteca? One of a kind library that is definitely worth the trip. I love the design of this place and easily got lost running around. It's a great photo op place in Mexico City. It was one of the places on my list of places to visit . Just keep in mind that it is kind of out of the way and away from the main area. Be careful when put this place in your navi/app for your ride. It placed me in an interesting street behind the library. It is conveniently located next to the Buenavista station if you're taking transit.
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Michele Q.

Yelp
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.
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Curt C.

Yelp
Wanna hang around with some books? This is the place. The bookshelves are literally hanging from the ceiling! This place looks like the whole thing defies gravity. The structure is made from see-thru floors and long beams that hang from the roof to create a floating sensation. The bookshelves jut in and out from the center area in a jumble of right angles and shelves that looks like a good wind could send the whole thing swaying. In the center of the library, they hold discussions, presentations, and art shows. There's a big whale skeleton in the center that's cool to look down upon from the shelves, as all the shelves somewhat resemble a skeleton, with its ribs hanging from the spine at the top of the building. The staff was nice- there are plenty of restrooms which are free. There's a coffee shop on site, and groups were practicing their dance moves out in the courtyards. There's a place for kids to play, and fountains out in front to sit and read by. It's conveniently located next to the Buenavista Station. This library is certainly worth checking out if you're a bibliophile!
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Heather H.

Yelp
So beautiful! My friend and I just went to see the architecture, not to check out books--so I can't speak to that! But the place is huge and breathtaking. Highly recommended to anyone visiting this city. It's worth the visit.
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Andrew H.

Yelp
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!
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Don N.

Yelp
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!
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Susan Y.

Yelp
Absolutely beautiful library. This was on my list when we were in MX. We took a bunch of pics (we weren't the only ones). We walked around and if I lived here, I could definitely see myself coming to read and study. There's also an outdoor garden which was beautiful as well. *Tesseract from the film interstellar!
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Paul T.

Yelp
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.