Libraries are enticing for the sheer volume of knowledge they contain, but even more so when they merge with inspiring art and architecture. BLOUIN Culture+Travel takes bibliophiles on a world tour of our historical and contemporary favorites. View our slideshow for images. 1. Admont Library, Admont, AustriaThe world’s largest monastery library is located in the Austrian town of Admont. Founded in 1074, the Abbey is known for its baroque architecture, scientific collection, and manuscripts. The 70-meter-long library was built in 1776, and holds around 70,000 of the 200,000 volumes in the monastery’s ownership. The ceiling is adorned with frescoes by Austrian baroque painter Bartolomeo Altomonte, consistent with the building’s Enlightenment-influenced architecture, and the library also houses Josef Stammel’s sculptures, “The Four Last Things.”2. Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech RepublicAnother monastery library; this one comprises the Theological Hall, the Philosophical Hall, and the Cabinet of Curiosities. In 1727, the baroque Theological Hall was expanded and decorated with frescoes by Siard Nosecký based on Biblical proverbs and philosophical texts. The Philosophical Hall was built later, complete with a giant ceiling fresco by Anton Maulbertsch called “Intellectual Progress of Mankind,” and secret spiral staircases.3. New York Public LibraryThe fourth-largest public library in the world is a grand affair of large windows and chandeliers. The main branch at Stephen A. Schwarzman was established in 1911, and is one of four research libraries in the NYPL system. The building is both a National Historic Landmark and a New York City Landmark, with murals by American artist Richard Haas in the Periodicals Room.4. Marciana Library, Venice, ItalyHoused in a Renaissance building designed by Jacopo Sansovino, this library contains one of the largest and oldest manuscript collections in the world. Artworks on the walls and ceiling include those by Alessandro Vittoria, Titian, Paolo Veronese, and Tintoretto. The library contains more than 750,000 books.5. Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra, PortugalLocated in the University of Coimbra, this baroque library dates back to the 18th century. There are over 200,000 volumes spread over three floors in two-storied gilded or painted wooden shelves. The ceilings were painted by Lisbon artists Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes. There are also beautiful arches, Chinese motifs on the wood, and assorted paintings.6. Austrian National Library, Vienna, AustriaBuilt in 1723 and located within the Hofburg Palace, this was the official palace library until 1920, a status that is reflected in its majestic architecture and interior. Frescoes, gilt work, a presiding statue of Minerva and statues of emperors (by sculptors Peter Strudel and Paul Strudel), this library has it all. A globe museum featuring celestial models from the early 19th century is a highlight. The library is part of a larger museum complex.7. Library of El Escorial, SpainLocated near Madrid, in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, this monastery library is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vaulted ceilings of the library feature frescoes by Pellegrino Tibaldi depicting the seven liberal arts (music, arithmetic, grammar, rhetoric, geometry, dialectic, astronomy). The library holds over 40,000 volumes and many important illuminated manuscripts.8. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe Central Library’s exterior is of the early Art Deco style, with sculptures by Lee Lawrie on the theme “Light of Learning.” The inside features murals by Dean Cornwell portraying California’s history. The Rotunda is an especially beautiful work of art, stenciled with various mesmerizing designs by local artist Julian Garnsey (who, with his team, also designed the ceilings of the reading rooms and staircase). In the center of the Rotunda is Lawrie’s riveting “Zodiac Chandelier,” made of bronze. The library aims to provide free and easy access to information, ideas and technology.9. Boston Public Library, BostonHolding a whopping 22 million items, the first publicly funded library in the US dates back to 1848. Among its highlights are rare manuscripts, a Shakespeare First Folio, and a Daniel Defoe collection, all housed at the library’s research branch, the McKim Building. Several murals by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey, and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes adorn the space. It is the country’s second largest library.10. Library of Alexandria, EgyptAlthough Alexandria’s renowned ancient library was destroyed, an impressive new one stands in its stead as a commemoration. Made of granite and conceived by a Norwegian firm, the building is covered with carvings by local artists. In the vicinity are museums, galleries, a conference center and a planetarium. The cultural complex was completed in 2002 and the library holds over 500,000 titles. Read more