Biblioteca Nacional (National Library), Rio de Janeiro

The National Library of Brazil is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most important cultural institutions. Its origins are linked to upheaval in Portugal rather than Brazil. After the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755 damaged the Royal Library of Portugal, parts of the collection were gradually transferred overseas. This process culminated in 1808, when the Portuguese royal court fled Napoleon’s invasion and relocated to Rio de Janeiro, bringing the Royal Library with it and laying the foundations for what is now the National Library.

Completed in 1910, the building was designed in an eclectic blend of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles. While the exterior is richly ornamented, the interior is particularly eye-catching. As soon as you enter, you are met by a grand bifurcated staircase of Carrara marble—an instant “wow” factor. Climb the first section of the staircase and you will find a bust of the library’s founder, King John VI of Portugal, on the landing. From here, look upward to admire the vibrant stained-glass skylight. The large stained-glass ceiling floods the marble foyer with colourful light. It features intricate geometric patterns and symbols associated with knowledge and the arts, framed by an elegant iron structure.

The National Library is the largest library in Latin America and one of the most extensive in the world, with a collection numbering in the millions, including books, manuscripts, maps, prints, photographs, and newspapers. At the heart of the institution is the Rare Works Division, often considered the soul of the library. It houses the original 60,000 volumes brought to Brazil by the Portuguese royal family in 1808 to escape Napoleon. Among its treasures are the 1459 Mainz Psalter and the Mogúncia Bible, making it one of the world’s most important bibliographic archives. Access to the Rare Works Division is possible only through an official guided tour, which usually departs from the ground-floor lobby and offers the only opportunity to step beyond the public areas.