Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
(Bavarian State Library)

BAYERISCHE STAATSBIBLIOTHEK: This lordly red and yellow brick building (built 1830s) looks like it’s been yanked off a piazza in Florence and carefully set down in the middle of Munich.

THINK ABOUT IT: Four philosophers greet visitors to the Bavarian State Library..

The collection of 7 million books and 40,000 magazines includes much material on history, ancient sciences, music and literature from south and Eastern Europe as well Asia.

There’s plenty more besides including maps, famous autographs and book plates from the pioneering days of printing.
Duke Albrecht V started the collection all the way back in 1558. Greeting visitors at the front entrance are statues of deep Greek thinkers Thucydides, Homer, Aristotle and Hippocrates.

The building’s design is by Friedrich von Gärtner which accounts for its Italianesque look. I think you’d love this place if you’re on an academic research mission, otherwise there’s not too much to see inside.

The details

Location: Ludwigstrasse 16
Phone: 089 28 63 80
Website: www.bsb-muenchen.de
Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 7.30pm, Saturday 9am to 4.30pm (August and September closed on Saturdays)
Cost: Entry is free
Directions: Take U-Bahn 3 or 6 to Universität and then walk south along Ludwig Strasse.  

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