University of Warsaw Library. Rooftop Garden, Warsaw

The University of Warsaw Library was established in 1816 following the founding of The Royal Warsaw University. Initially, the library primarily housed theological and historical books, but over time, it expanded its collection to include materials from various scientific disciplines.

During a period of conflict, some of the library's most valuable collections suffered damage due to fire. However, thanks to the dedication of the librarians, certain resources were preserved by being sealed off in the basement. In the 1980s, the Library gained prominence as a hub for free thought and activism, welcoming members of the anti-communist resistance, including the renowned Solidarność movement.

The current library building, featuring a distinctive design, was inaugurated on December 15, 1999. Notably, the new building boasts a rooftop botanical garden created by landscape architect Irena Bajerska. This garden covers an impressive one-hectare area and ranks as one of the largest roof gardens in Europe. Importantly, it is open to both the academic community and the general public.

The upper portion of the garden is divided into four parts: the Golden Garden to the north, the Silver Garden to the east, the Crimson Garden to the south, and the Green Garden to the west. It can be enjoyed from April to October, while from November 1 to March 31, only the Lower Garden is accessible.

The library's main facade along Dobra Street prominently features blocks of classical texts in various scripts, including Old Polish text by Jan Kochanowski, Classical Greek text by Plato, and Hebrew script from the Book of Ezekiel.