When visiting New York City this fall, I knew I had to honour this season of reading season by visiting all the Best Book Stores in New York City. I felt like Kathleen Kelly herself as I made my way across the city. Searching out the most enchanting and adorable bookshops along the way. They all filled me with anticipation to get cozy and do some reading when I got home. Like I was bringing those autumnal vibes from the city that never sleeps home with me! One of the reasons I love buying books when on vacation is that it feels like they embue a sense of the place they came from. And memories you’ll never forget.

Before Halloween, fall is the season for getting cozy. Light a few candles and cuddle up under a warm blanket. And to perfect the evening, grab a good book for the ultimate autumnal night in. And there is no where better to find that ideal fall novel, than in New York City itself!

Table Of Contents

1. Books are Magic
2. The Strand Bookshop
3. POWERHOUSE @ IC
4. Spoonbill & Sugartown Books
5. Albertine
6. The Morgan Library Shop
7. Mysterious Book Shop
8. Sweet Pickle Books
9. Rizzoli Bookstore
10. McNally Jackson Books
11. The Corner Bookstore
12. Three Lives & Company
13. Desert Island
14. The Center for Fiction
15. The Drama Book Shop

Books are Magic

Walking along the charming streets of Cobble Hill, you might almost miss the rather subtle exterior of my favourite bookshop! Found on the corner of Butler and Smith Street in Brooklyn. Emma Straub, an award-winning author, founded the Book Are Magic bookshop in 2017. This shop is designed in the industrial Scandinavian style, which lends itself to being a little bit more relaxed and unassuming. But stepping inside, the fantastical colourful books lining the shelves makes any chance a subtly an impossibility.

Perhaps because the store is run by an author herself, the collection’s curation is unrivalled! I always come here with nothing in mind to buy. Instead, I leave it up to the recommended section. And I’ve never ever come away disappointed. One of the cutest parts of the shop is the mural on the side of the building. I stellar place to get your defacto Instagram shot with your newest literary purchase!

Address: 225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY

The Strand Bookshop

Back in the 1890s, fourth avenue was chock-a-block filled with bookshops. Forty-eight different bookstores once lined this stretch of New york City. It was nicknamed “Book Row.” It flourished for years but after the Great Depression, many of these bookshops were forced to close. Later one, the ones that remained were driven out by rising rental prices in the 1960s. Eventually, every single one of these bookstores on Book Row closed down. Every single shop, but one. And that was Strand Books. 

Strand Books first opened here in 1927 by Lithuanian immigrant Benjamin Bass. Bass opened the store with just $300 in his pocket. During the first year, Bass slept on a small cot inside the store to save money. Such was his dedication to his store and his love of books. Bass was close with several influencial members of the Stuyvesant family. The Stuyvesant’s owned a massive swath of land throughout New York. It was this lucky relationship with the Stuyvesants, that kept Bass afloat during the depression. After making it through tough times, the Strand became a historic staple of the neighbourhood. Growing in popularity year over year.

The Strand Today

Today, the bookshop remains loved by locals and tourists alike. The company’s slogan is “18 Miles Of Books” as you’ll find the shelves inside stocked with over 2.5 million books. Stepping inside can be an overwhelming experience at first. But eventually, the waves of books on the shelves almost lull you into a gentle rhythm. One of my favourite parts of the store are the themed tables in the centre of the store. The different categories allow you to discover the best of the best of these other subjects. As curated by expert bookworms at the Strand. Since the Strand is a pretty famous New York institution, there is also a plentiful selection of signed author copies of new publications! So if you’re a collector this is a must-see spot for you.

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY

POWERHOUSE @ IC

POWERHOUSE @ IC is located inside one of my favourite new spots in Brooklyn; Industry City. Industry City, as the name states, was constructed inside a series of old industrial buildings. Set outside a historic intermodal shipping and warehousing complex. The decor of the new POWERHOUSE @ IC shop fits well within this industrial complex. Bright yellow paint highlights the store shelves and flooring, while the rest of the interior features exposed cement walls. It’s rather austere but makes the books on the shelves works of art on display.

POWERHOUSE @ IC prides itself on featuring a wonderfully curated selection of books that focus on design, art, DIY, food, drink, and entertaining. Each of these categories is distinctly representative of the creative spirit of Industry City. Their selection of art books was incredible. I have a growing collection of Frida Kahlo books, and I was amazed to find several books I had never seen before! Situated inside the food hall, it is very appropriate that they feature an exclusive collection of gorgeous cookbooks. If you are travelling with kids, check out their charming children’s book area. Its’s ideally set up for kids to browse and features some beautifully illustrated books for kids.

220 36th St Building 2, Brooklyn, NY

Spoonbill & Sugartown Books

Stumbling onto Spoonbill & Sugartown Books, while wandering in Williamsburg, was a real pleasant surprise. This cozy independent bookstore specializes in rare art, architecture and design titles. All things that are right up my streets! I was overwhelmed by the gorgeous titles pouring off the shelves when I stepped inside. Set up within this old brownstone, complete with vintage tin ceiling, it feels like the bookshop grew around this new trendy neighbourhood.

While most of the books at the front of the store are new, they also have a smaller selection of used books at the back . These are always filled with treasures, so don’t skip that section over. They have a wonderful selection of LGBTQ+ stories and a superb poetry collection. The translated poetry being my favourite. They also sell a small but fabulous sampling of independent magazines representing New York City’s culture, fashion and art.

Albertine

There is no more magical bookstore in New York City than Albertine. Walking in here feels like entering the Divination classroom in Hogwarts. The bookshop is located inside the upscale Payne Whitney mansion on the upper east side. A building that also houses the French Embassy. As part of the French Embassy’s commitment to intellectual exchange, they opened this bookstore that specializes in French & English language books. Inspired by the historic ceilings of French cathedrals, the most iconic part of this bookshop is the incredible ceiling mural. The mural features rich French blue paint covered in golden constellations and planets.

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The spaces inside features cozy reading areas where you can lounge on the sofas, taking in the scenery. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon. While many people might not be able to read French and not see a reason to visit the shop, I would advise still checking it out. They have an unparalleled selection of stellar French cookbooks (which are written in English.) And if you’ve ever been interested in learning French they have some amazing books to get you started!

The Morgan Library Shop

The Morgan Library & Museum is one of my favourite hidden gems in New York City. The library features the personal literary collection of financier and cultural benefactor Pierpont Morgan. Morgan’s shelves feature illuminated literary and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints. And the entire collection is set inside his majestic Madison Avenue mid-nineteenth-century brownstone. Styled to resemble an Italian Renaissance palazzo, the library is one of the most spectacular places in the city. Admission to visit the library is required (and highly recommended), but you can always step in and visit the gift shop and bookstore for free!

The bookshop is set inside the same gorgeous building, and it feels like walking inside a precious work of art. And what many people don’t know is that the Morgan Library Bookshop is home to one of the city’s best collections of art books. And I was shocked at the discounted books they seem to always have on offer. There is also a vast collection of gifts and stationery if you’re into that kind of thing. If you’re a library lover, this is the place to come to get some pieces that will make a statement on your shelves.

Mysterious Book Shop

Fall is inherently a “spooky season,” and there is no better place to go during this scary time of year than the Mysterious Book Shop. The Mysterious Book Shop is New York’s oldest bookstore specializing in crime and mystery novels. The shelves reaching all the way to the ceiling are stocked to the gills with spine-chilling and intriguing tales. The walls of books act almost like wallpaper, creating this cozy atmosphere.

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If you’re into Agatha Christie, Sherlockiana, or just looking to discover a juicy new crime author, this is the place to go! The staff are SUPER knowledgeable and also keen to discuss their new favourites. Their New York City-based mystery section is incredibly cool since you can pick up a book set right in this city. Even long after your vacation, you can pick it up to feel like you’re right back on the streets of New York. They also have a gorgeous selection of rare books, which are a treat to wonder at.

Sweet Pickle Books

Sweet Pickle Books, located in the lower east side, is probably one of the most uniquely themed bookstores in the city. As the name states, they are indeed both a bookstore but also a pickle shop! The store’s concept was inspired by owner Leigh Altshuler‘s mother’s favourite movie Crossing Delancey. The 1988 movie is about a pickle peddler who falls in love with a book dealer. All set in the Lower East Side. Altshuler opened her store during the pandemic after losing her marketing job. She started selling homemade pickles from her apartment, but in 2021, when rental places became more affordable, she switched to a brick-and-mortar location. Since pickles were always such an essential part of the Lower East Side’s Jewish immigrant cusine, Altshuler also feels like her store is an homage to the neighbourhood.

But pickles couldn’t support her business entirely. When she saw how many people were simply giving books away in estate sales, she bought and resold them here. The result is the most haphazard collection, and I meant that in the most endearingly way. Searching the shelves here is a means of discovery, and since her prices are so low, you can find treasures for almost nothing! You never know what you’ll find, except for the pickles, which are always an absolute treat! Don’t miss out on the spicy ones, delicious!

Rizzoli Bookstore

Walking into Rizzoli Bookstore, you feel like you are entering an elegant Italian palazzo. The gorgeous chandeliers, marble floors, rich oak bookshelves and handpainted frescos on the walls make shopping here a luxurious experience. Rizzoli Bookstore has been open in New York for 50 years, although it has only spent half that time in this location on Broadway.

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Rizzoli is notable for its incredible collection of independent texts specializing in fantastically illustrated books. If you’re interested in architecture, interior design, fashion, photography, cooking, and applied arts, this is the place for you! Exploring these captivating collections can get you lost for hours. If you’re looking for an extra special gift to get someone, this is the place to go!

McNally Jackson Books

The soaring bookshelves of this two-storey shop in Brooklyn is one of the most beautiful visions a book lover will ever see. It reminds me of so many baroque libraries I’ve visited around the world. McNally Jackson Books is a New York independent bookseller with four locations across the city. Their shop in Brooklyn is my favourite as it blends modern interior design with classical bookshop vibes. Their curation, especially about hyper-specific categories, is terrific, and there is always something new to discover here.

If you’re a journaler, you will definitely appreciate their gorgeous selection of stationery. Hundreds of different pens in every rainbow colour and various leather notebooks are needed to jot down all those precious messages and memories.

The Corner Bookstore

The darling Corner Bookstore, on the literal corner of Madison Avenue, is set inside an old 1890s brick brownstone. Their window displays are filled to the brim with vivid book covers demanding you to come inside. Stepping into this storied building with charming tin ceilings feels quintessentially New York. This neighbourhood mainstay has been open here since 1978. They even still have the original manual cash register. A memento of the olden days.

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This store was actually one of the few iconic locations in New York scouted by the set designers for the film, You’ve Got Mail. Despite being a smaller store, they still have a beautifully curated selection of literary fiction, history, biography and children’s works. 

Three Lives & Company

This enchanted corner of New York City is home to the beloved Three Lives & Company bookstore. This legendary spot has stood here for over 40 years in the heart of historic Greenwich Village. You can spot the shop from down the street by the shockingly red door painted to match the red bricks of the old building.

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One of the best things about this shop is the staff. I always come here with NOTHING in mind to buy. Instead, I love chatting with the staff to see what they recommend in whatever category I seem drawn to that day. Inside this cozy interior, you can while away the afternoon simply by peering through their fantastical collections.

Desert Island

Walking down this street in Brooklyn, you’ll see the gorgeous retro signage for an old bakery. But inside, you’ll find something altogether different. I wanted to be sure to add a bookshop to this list that specializes in graphic novels. And this is THAT shop. Over the years, graphic novels have become one of the most exciting and captivating forms of literature and stepping into Desert Island books, you’ll know why! Desert Island is decorated with handmade ice-blue stalactite sculptures and gorgeous tapestries hung all over the interior. These decorations are meant to wrap up the visitors in a wonderfully imaginative environment in which to browse their books. The shelves are stocked with thoughtfully curated graphic novels, comic books, sweet treasures and one-of-a-kind prints!

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In addition, this store also sells some awesome zines made by local artists. These zines are such a hyper-niche thing. Usually, one-offs are only found here, so grabbing one is like buying up a piece of ephemeral New York art. Desert Island also publishes its own yearly all-illustration newspaper, “Smoke Signal.” These local oddities make the store unique and unlike anything else you’ll find.

The Center for Fiction

In the centre of Brooklyn, you’ll find this monolith to literature; the Center for Fiction! The walls are toweringly high, with a huge ladder required to access the books on the tallest shelves. Like a modern-day version of Beauty and the Beast‘s library. The Center for Fiction is the only nonprofit literary organization in the US. And this store is their first brick-and-mortar bookshop, which opened in 2019. The window side of the shop features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing light to stream inside in the most heavenly way. Compared to some of the other bookstores on this list which are more dark academia, this place is contemporary chic! 

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In addition to their incredible selection of books, they also frequently hold panels, lectures, seminars, reading groups, and conversations led by some of the nation’s most beloved writers. Their cozy cafe and bar is a fantastic spot to come and grab a bite to eat while enjoying your newest book purchase. There are so many people here writing away on notepads and computer screens. Like you can feel the next big novel being written right in the room! The vibes here are unrivalled, and it is one of the most peaceful places in the city to come and shop.

The Drama Book Shop

As New York City is home to Broadway and one of, if not the BEST, places to see live theatre, visiting the Drama Book Shop feels like a truly New Yorkian outing! Open since 1917, the Drama Book Shop has been a mainstay of the New York theatre scene and a cultural institution for theatrical works. One of my favourite parts of going inside is admiring the decor. They always go all out with the store’s styling, and I’m sure they get some set decorators to help them create these fantastical displays. The most impressive is the “book tornado” that spirals all around the store. Whirling you into a dizzying book-buying frenzy!

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Although the shop has been open for over 100 years, it only recently moved to this new location. The new shop was designed by “Hamilton” set designer David Korins. It was created to pay homage to twentieth-century European cafes and reading rooms. So, in addition to all 8,000 playbooks, they also have a full-service cafe! Historic posters from Broadway’s past line the walls. If you are a thespian book lover, you’ll be in heaven. But it’s not just playbooks and musical scores that you’ll find here. There are many books about acting, non-fiction about the famous plays that made Broadway what it is today, and a fantastic collection of biographies from renowned actors and writers. If you ever wanted to know the secrets of the stage, you’ll find them in the books here.

I hope you enjoyed this literary shopping tour of New York City Bookshops! Let me know in the comment which one was your favourite or any that I might have missed!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The 15 Best Bookshops in New York City, a Bookworms Guide to NYC first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

I listed all the different amazon links to these books but I’ve also found that most local libraries have kindle or e-book versions available online. So if you have a library card, your local library might be doing more of these digital downloads to provide readers with more options during the pandemic when most libraries are closed. Also, if you’re local book shops are doing home delivery you should check these out too to help out those small businesses!

An Idiot Abroad: Travel Diaries by Karl Pilkington

Ok, I know this might be a silly one, but it is truly one of my favourite books. I grew up listening to the Ricky Gervais podcast and then went back to the XFM radio show archives and completely fell in love with Karl Pilkington. Karl is unknowingly hilarious and his almost child-like view on the world is so unique. Ricky Gervais produced a television show called An Idiot Abroad with Karl where they sent him all over the world to places he’d never even dreamed of visiting. As a reluctant traveller, Karl has the most opposite opinion to all of us in the travel blogging world and that’s what makes it so funny. While the show is great, I loved the book as it gives a little bit more insight into his mind and also feels like his very own printed travel blog. There are also so charming illustrations and photos from his journeys that are exclusive to the book here which just add to the entire story.

Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky

The Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky is such a charming and beautiful book. In a time when we feel like we’re never going to be able to travel anywhere again, her book brings a new perspective to visiting places in your mind. Judith’s book is all about 50 different islands that she herself has never visited (and never will). But by weaving together various scientific studies and recorded historical events, she manages to create a snapshot of each different island’s personality and character on every page. Each page features a gorgeously drawn cartographic view of the island and a story about it. It’s a wonderful way to learn about these faraway lands from the comfort of your couch!

The Bone People by Keri Hulme

The Bone People was a book I read as an angsty teenager and still to this day love to pick up and read. Its wildly descriptive pages transport you to the shores of pastoral New Zealand. The stories centers around Kerewin, a part-Maori artist, who herself self-isolates (by choice) and loves this isolation. But her life is torn apart when she comes to meets Simon, a mute six-year-old and his foster-father Joe. The book itself is quite emotional and riveting but also is a love story to the South Islands and Maori myths which are so important to New Zeland and its people.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

If you’re looking for a book to pour over and plan future travels and adventures then this is the book for you. While some travel books focus on the most popular and highly regarded travel destinations and attractions, this book focuses on weird, wild, and even slightly odd experiences and collections around the world. This book inspired me to visit a few cities I would have otherwise never thought of travelling to if it were not for the one interesting exhibit or attraction to see there. And once you’re there you’ll find a myriad of other wonderful things to see as well. I treat it as a paper version of a cabinet of curiosities with treasures from all over the world.

In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

I think I left my copy of In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson in Australia, lost on a beach somewhere no doubt. But luckily my library had digital versions of it which I could take out to get my Bill Bryson to fix. Bill Bryson is a comedic travel writer, who brings his unusual personality to his travel experiences and his writing. I had read Bryson’s other books but his book on Australia was the one I loved the most and I treated it like my bible to pour over before I moved to Australia for a year in my 20s. His descriptions of this country on the other side of the world are some of the best representations of what it is like to travel there, so if you can’t go yourself, this is the next best thing!

DaVinci Code Series by Dan Brown

I think almost everyone has a dogeared copy of a Dan Brown book somewhere in their house. Maybe your quirky aunt gave it to you one Christmas and you never got around to reading it. Well, this is the perfect time to pick it up. While I think the overhype for these books in the media might have caused a lot of people to expect more from it than it intends to be, I LOVE these books. Especially for their descriptions of art, history and the cities in which they are set. Don’t take them too seriously and you’ll have such a great time with them! My favourite I think is Inferno, not for the storyline, but his sumptuous descriptions of Venice, Florence and Istanbul!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

Fear and Loathing is one of those books you can easily read on the porch over a weekend. It’s a frantic and fantastical tale set in Las Vegas in the 1970s. It is a slightly fictionalized account of Thompson‘s experience over one highly drug-fueled week in Las Vegas while trying to get a story. While his descriptions are at times surreal, I think it does a fantastic job of getting across the feeling of Vegas during that time in space. 

A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle

This book was one of the inspirations for my trip to Provence a few years ago. We rented a house in a small, non-touristy town, and although we were only there for two weeks, it was impossible not to imagine moving there for good. Mayle‘s book follows his journey of buying a hundred-year-old farmhouse in Provence and the adventures he encounters throughout his first year of living there. As you can imagine, there are a fair share of mishaps and misadventures but also so many joyful stories which make you wanna just pack up and move to France (after the pandemic of course).

The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell

Before visiting Sweden last year, I dove back into this book. Although not set in Sweden, there is something so interesting about learning about the Scandinavian way of life. The book follows British journalist, Helen Russell throughout her year abroad in Denmark. She wanted to understand why Danes are the happiest people on earth and so she spent a year living Danishly to see why this formula works! Not only is it a great book about another country there are so many things from this book that you can take and apply to your own life, even in quarantine!

Visitors to Versailles

This was a new acquisition to my library when I knew we would be put into self-isolation. I have a few books on the history of Versaille and its architecture and ornamentation but this book focuses on the visitors which have for centuries come to visit the palace. It follows stories of dignitaries and even 18th-century tourists as they came to see this architectural treasure for the first time. It allows the readers to see Versaille through the eyes of these visitors during different eras. It’s a gorgeous coffee table book full of rich photos of the clothing visitors would have worn and even – my favourite part – the souvenirs that visitors came away with even hundreds of years ago.

Vivaldi’s Virgins by Barbara Quick

When I was a little girl I would fall asleep almost every night to a book on tape about Vivaldi and the school he ran for girls in Venice. While that story was meant for children, this book follows the same theme but in a much more grown-up fashion. The book is rich with descriptions of 18th century Venice when the city exploded with new art, music and splendour. The story is a fictional tale of an orphan abandoned at Ospedale Della Pietà, Antonio Vivaldi’s school for music, and her journey to discover where she came from. Throughout the book, she explores the different areas of Venice in her search which allows you to feel like you are on the journey with her and are seeing these visions of Venice for yourself.

Colour by Victoria Finlay

My copy of Colours is so beat up at this point from the many times I’ve read it, but I suppose that is just the mark of a great book! This book details the history of colour through author Victoria Finlay‘s travels around the world. I read it for the first time when I was studying the colour blue for a paper I was writing at school. This history of where colours come from and their symbolic and cultural meaning is so fascinating to me but her descriptions of the places she travels to discover these secrets is one of the best parts of the book. Pure wanderlust.

Let me know if you’ve already read any of these books or what your favourite travel-inspired books are! Looking for anything and everything new to read these days! I hope you are all keeping safe and healthy and doing well!

Happy (imaginary) Travels, Adventurers

The post 12 of the Best Books to Inspire Wanderlust first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. Brewery
4. Admission
5. Viewing Gallery
   • Medieval Monastery
6. The Grand Philosophical Hall
   • Intellectual Progress of Mankind
7. Cabinets of Curiosities
8. The Theological Hall
   • Murals in the Theological Hall
   • St John the Evangelist

History

The Strahov Monastery was first established in 1140. Throughout the years it was destroyed and rebuilt, time after time, war after war. Many of their precious books were stolen, and despite this, every time they rebuilt it, they sought to rebuild their libraries, even grander. Creating a space of importance and preservation for the tombs within. Today, the Monastery and the library stand as a jewel of the Baroque era. Even from afar their bright red-tiled roofs and copper spires, aged to a brilliant teal colour, contrast the grey skies.

Access

To get to the library, walk across the Charles Bridge to board the #22 Tram and ride it to the stop ‘Pohořelec’. From this stop it’s only a 5 minute walk downhill to get to the library. Alternatively, take in the monastery as a part of my Petrin Hill Self-Guided Walking Tour!

Brewery

As you ascend the hill towards the main building, you first pass another piece of the Monastery’s history; its brewery. This brewery was established in the 1600’s, and the monks would work and produce beer to create income their order. Even today you can visit the brewery and drink a glass sitting in their scenic beer garden. We made sure to make a pit stop here before heading to the library. Like all beer in Prague, it is cheap and delicious! And the view is unbeatable, look out over the valley and across to Prague Castle.

Admission

The entry price for visiting the Library and Pictures gallery is CZK 120, and there is a small photo fee if you want to take pictures. While some people complain about this cost, I love this feature. Some places don’t let you take pictures at all, but here, by charging a small fee, it can control the cameras in the museum and helps bring in a little more money to ensure proper preservation the delicate pages inside against those harsh flashes that people inevitably use. The library is open daily from 9am to 5pm (with a one hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm when it is closed). Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

The library has three parts which visitors can explore. The Grand Philosophical Hall, The Baroque Theological Hall and the Cabinets of Curiosities. After paying admission to a surely looking Czech woman inside an ancient wooden toll booth, you are allowed to head the old stone staricase towards the library.

Viewing Gallery

The first room you enter inside the Monastery is the Viewing Gallery. This room contains dozens of timeworn books, preserved in glass cases. The most important, beautiful and rare book of the collection, as well as one of the oldest, is the Strahov codex. The codex was rebound with red velvet in around 1180 and decorated with four enamel Romanesque carvings and six large red and white crystals. A sculpture of Christ on the Cross, Our Lady and St John, along with four silver Renaissance medallions of the evangelists were also added to create one of the most stunning book covers I’ve ever seen.

Behind the glass in the other cabinets, you can see the masterful art works within the pages of this book. This codex older than the Czech state itself, dating from 860-865. There are between 980 and 985 full page drawings of the evangelists. The illustrations contained within were painted by some of the great masters of book illustrations in the Ottoman empire.

Medieval Monastery

In medieval times, before the printing press, the only way of getting text into books was to write it by hand. This was mostly done by Monks of the order. Since these Bibles and Holy tombs were handmade, they were extremely expensive. But they were most than just words; they were works of art. So much time, care and artistry were put into each unique treasure. The monks were incredibly talented, and each of the tiny painted scenes hidden on each piece of parchment brought the story alive to the readers. In addition to the codex, there are various other illustrated books from the medieval period depicting subjects like religion, mythology and even geography inside the glass cases in the entry.

The Grand Philosophical Hall

The Grand Philosophical Hall is the jewel of the monastery. Looking from floor to ceiling at this ornately designed library will literally take your breath away. It contains over 42,000 ancient philosophical texts, sprawling along the room like a wave of knowledge. The room was designed in 1794 by Jan Ignác Palliardi, an Italian architect living in Bohemia. He used elements of the previous, smaller library, when creating his final vision. This preserved the beautiful old walnut interior for the previous library.

The sheer size of this library is what first hits you. It is 32 meters long, 22 meters wide, with a ceiling height of 14 meters. Your eyes are not doubted drawn right up to the bright and action packed frescos above. These were done by the Viennese painter Anton Maulbertsch, who spent over six months working with only one other artist to complete the stunning scene.

Intellectual Progress of Mankind

The painting depicts the ‘Intellectual Progress of Mankind’ and shows developments in science and religion, and their mutual impact on each other. It also represents man’s quest for knowledge and his drive to learn the secrets of the universe. We can see Noah building the ark, Cain and Abel as well as the evolution of Greek civilization. There are philosophers standing guard; Socrates and Diogenes as well as leaders like Alexander the Great. There are two levels to the library. The main level with rolling staircase to access the books at the very top of the shelves, and a gallery only accessible from a hidden spiral staircase. The staircase looks like the spines of books but is, in fact, simply painted onto the wooden door.

Cabinets of Curiosities

Between the Philosophers hall and the theological hall, you’ll come across various cabinets of curiosities. This particular collection was from the estate of Karel Jan Erben, brought to the monastery in 1798. These cabinets are tiny museums. Wealthy collectors had the ability to buy different items that interested or amused them and assemble it all together in these gilded cabinets. They would then invite friends over to admire their collection and tell stories about the various pieces within. To these people, it was the height of entertainment.

In the Renaissance when these cabinets first began to pop-up, the most popular items in the collections were mysterious or remarkable objects. Then, obsession moved onto natural sciences, like collections of sea fauna. There were insect collections, mineral samples, and wax replicas of fruit. One of rarest things in the collection is the prepared remains of, the now extinct, Dodo bird. There are weapons and armour from Bohemia as well as ceramics, sculptures and more. One of my favourite cabinets contains a ‘dendrology’ library. 68 volumes prepared by Karel of Hinterlagen from around 1825 full of different types of wood! Seems pretty dull but I love when people have something, even something mundane, that they are obsessed with.

The Theological Hall

The Theological Hall is down the long hallway from the Philosopher’s Hall. This gallery contains over 18,000 religious texts. Many of the books included are rare volumes seen only by the monks and approved scholars. The room is named ‘Theological Hall’ after the fact that it contains nothing but different editions of the Bible or parts of the Bible in all different languages. The Theological Hall was built in 1671 by architect Giovanni Domennico Orsi, a Prague burgher of Italian origin. The Italian influence can be seen throughout the design of the library, especially in all the stucco touches above the shelves.

The bookshelves are gilded wood with carved decoration. The use of red throughout related to the ‘sacred’ as these books were considered some of the most sacred things in their time. Although we look at the use of upright shelves in the library as the norm now, Baroque designers were the first ones to use the upright shelf design compared to the Gothic desk system or Romanesque treasury system.

Murals in the Theological Hall

Above the shelves of the Theological Hall are gilded wooded-carved decorations inside wooden cartouches. These functioned as a sort of early card cataloguing system. The pictures in the wooden cartouches specified the type of literature stored on the shelves below. Above all the shelves is magnificently painted fresco. The mural portrays the ethos of the library that a person with great faith must also build on his knowledge and provide education for those who need it, sharing his learned knowledge with the world. There is a piece of script carved into the iron gates on the other side of the library which states INITIUM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR DOMINI (the beginning of wisdom is fear of God.) Along the centre of the room are a series of 17th-century geographical and astronomical globes.

St John the Evangelist

One of the most important objects in the room is the late-Gothic wooden statue of St John the Evangelist. In his left hand, he holds a real ‘girdle-book’. These girdles were used as carrying cases for the treasured objects, in this case, books, as people travelled from city to city, reading to the common folk. The beautifully stitched and sewn carving of the girdle depicts the care that was taken in the protection of books in the medieval area. So much time and effort was taken into creating them; you had to be so careful when taking them out of the libraries arms.

The Strahov Monastery Library is one of those places that is often overlooked by the majority of travellers who come to Prague, so even if you’re not a bibliophile, this is a perfect place to soak in some beautiful architecture, gorgeous art and escape the crowds. If only for a moment.

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The Klementinum is a large building complex that stretches across an entire city block. Since the 15th century, astronomers, scientists, philosophers and musicians have poured through its door to study the precious books inside. These great men of science and art came together here. Each influenced the other and developed some of the modern era’s most incredible inventions. The Klementinum is home to several important institutions, including the National Library of the Czech Republic. But it is also an architectural and cultural treasure. With its stunning Baroque facade, beautiful courtyards, and intricate decoration, the Klementinum is a true feast for the eyes. So, join us as we discover the hidden gems and hidden stories of this beautiful complex.

Table Of Contents

1. Access & Admission
2. History
3. Great Mirror Chapel
4. 2nd Floor
5. The Great Library
6. The Bookshelves
7. Globes
8. The Meridian Hall
9. Viewpoint

Access & Admission

The only way to get into the libraries is by a guided tour (unless you’re a Czech scholar). These run about every hour and are worth every penny! For tour times and hours, visit their website.

To find the entrance to the tour, you walk through a small set of wooden doors near the church. Inside you will see a ticket booth with a cramped employee sitting behind the glass. After purchasing your ticket, you wait for your tour guide. Once they arrive, you’ll be whisked off throughout this gorgeous building.

Tickets cost: 300 Kc for Adults ($13 USD), 200 Kc ($9 USD) for Students and Seniors and children are free.

History

The Klementinum dates all the way back to the 11th century. It was formerly a tiny chapel dedicated to Saint Clement run by Dominican monks. The Hapsburg Emperor Ferdinand I wanted to help increase his power within the Roman Catholic Church and in Bohemia (now Prague). To do this, he invited the Jesuits into his city.

Wanting to make them feel more at home and give them some sense of importance, the Emperor gifted them the building now known as the Klementinum. It had a prime location, right across from the Charles Bridge, and was an excellent gift for the order.

In 1556, the library’s development began. By 1653 they had managed to build one of the most significant collections of books and the literary material in Europe. When the entire library was finished, it was the most massive building in Prague, after Prague Castle. Eventually, the Jesuits fell out with the Pope. So in 1773, the library was given over to Prague’s people and became a part of Charles University.

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Great Mirror Chapel

The first room that the guide will take you into is the Great Mirror Chapel. The architecture of the Klementinum varies from room to room, as different parts of the building were built during different periods. This room, however, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. The Mirror Chapel was built in 1724 and features ornate frescoes, mirrors, the ceiling, and intricate gilded stucco. The rust-coloured walls and peach-painted ceiling are a unique touch. They make the chamber glow and make the visitor feel warm and cozy.

The faux marble columns along the walls each contain a beautifully framed work of art. These works of art were primarily created by Jan Hiebl, a Czech artist of little note. But Hiebl made a significant impression on the people who visit this chapel. One of the most important things to look at here is the two organs. The first was played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his visits to the Klementinum.

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This chapel can also be visited if you buy tickets to one of their “Classical Concerts.” These concerts are a fantastic option for visiting the Klementinum outside a guided tour. You will be treated to music from the 18th century played on the historic organ during the show. Usually performed by gifted local musicians. The very same organ played by Mozart himself now hosts new talented musicians hoping to become the following great composer!

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2nd Floor

After soaking in all the beauty inside the chapel, your guide leads up the first set of narrow stairs to the 2nd floor. This is where the historic library is housed. On the way to the library, you pass by various glass cabinets of curiosity. These different house instruments are used by astronomers to explore the skies, track weather and map constellations.

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The corridor is covered in ornate stucco, and the ceiling contains frescoes. Each scene is drawn from prominent literary writings, like echoes of the past, leading you down toward your destination.

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Although you can’t walk inside the library and pick up any books, there are various special volumes under the glass. These examples give you a glimpse of the books you’d find on the shelves within. Each one is masterfully handpainted with perfect calligraphy and illustration on every page. Monks would spend a lifetime creating a few copies of the same book. They would disperse the copies to only a few prestigious libraries worldwide.

The Great Library

As the guide leads you to the only open set of doors, you will be immediately taken aback by the tremendous amount of things to look at inside the Great Library. The shelves housing over 20,000 books from the early 17th century onwards are a stunning display. There is a sea of baroque finishings washing over the walls.

The ceiling features a large fresco, an original part of 18th-century design. The paintings on the ceiling depict the Temple of Wisdom, a city from Greek Mythology, which was thought to have housed thousands of theological volumes dating back to 1600. Jan Hiebl, the same artist who painted the frescos in the Mirror Chapel, also did these frescos. He uses light and shadow to create a domed effect even on the flat ceiling. Hiebl spent tireless hours giving the illusion of natural sunlight pouring into space despite natural light being restricted to protect the books from damage.

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The Bookshelves

The bookshelves are carved from stunning dark wood, which shines even in the dim light. Some columns are carved into spirals, topped off with gold capitals. Above the tops of each bookshelf are golden frames with the names of prominent Jesuits inscribed on them. These Jesuits were the people who helped build this impressive library.

The books in the collection consist mainly of theological volumes in various foreign languages. It also contains a Mozartiana, a book about the life of Tycho Brahe and Comenius. You’d also find historical examples of famous Czech literature. Some of the collections’ books are so rare and unique that they have been given to Google to be digitally preserved online for everyone to see.

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Globes

In the centre of the room are various globes of different sizes, displaying historical diagrams and maps of the world. You can see how opinions have changed throughout the years on the map of the world. The shapes of continents would grow or shrink based on the newest technology or information. There are also several sets of celestial globes to be found here. Celestial spheres show the position of the stars in the sky.

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The Meridian Hall

Although you might not want to leave, eventually, the tour guide must move on. You are taken to the next floor, which contains Meridian Hall. The Meridian Hall was an invention designed to determine and mark twelve noon. When the scientists inside would see that noon had come (based on their instruments), they would ring the bells from the top of the bell tower. This would indicate to the rest of the town that it was midday. Alongside the Meridian Hall is several weather recording devices that note the temperature as early as 1775. These are even still used today to continue to record the weather.

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Viewpoint

You can mount the final, very narrow, rickety set of stairs to walk out onto the bell tower. You must climb up 172 steps to get to the top of the building. But you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360° view of Prague’s red-topped roofs.

Being up here helps you understand where everything is in Prague. You can see all the important landmarks, and bronze diagrams help identify all the famous buildings you’re looking down at. This was so helpful since we’d see something far off in the distance and want to make a note of tracking it down once back on land.

Seeing as the tour group is so small, you have this view all to yourself once the group spreads out. It was so romantic and truly an oasis of serenity in a city which can be overwhelming and full of tourists.

A massive bronze sculpture of Atlas holds up the world on the very top of the bell tower. On our way out, we looked at the top of the tower from where we were once standing. The Klementinum and the Strahov Monastery are my two favourite landmarks in Prague. You MUST visit them if you’re ever in the city, especially if you’re a library lover like me!

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