Fundação Biblioteca Nacional

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4.5

( 8 reviews )

Museums, Art Museums, Specialty Museums

Closed 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM See Hours

Av. Rio Branco, 219 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20040-008, Brazil +55 2130-953-879

The Fundacao Biblioteca Nacional, also known as the National Library, is a renowned institution located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Established over 200 years ago, it stands as the largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world. Featuring a stunning architecture, it has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the biggest national libraries globally. With over 9 million items in its collection, including books, documents, magazines, newspapers, and more, it offers a treasure trove of knowledge and history. Although access to the rooms with the books is limited to authorized researchers, visitors can still enjoy the library's beauty on a short visit. The National Library is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, providing a unique opportunity to delve into Brazil's extensive cultural heritage. Its prime location on Cinelandia Square makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists. So, come and explore the wonders of the Fundacao Biblioteca Nacional, a true gem in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.

Amenities and More

Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
- Good for kids

Reviews

4.5/5

8 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Greg tam

March 22, 2024

Beautiful building and it’s free to walk around and visit. Shame that only 2 of the 4 floors are open to the public - and even then, all of the side rooms that contain the archives are closed off to the public. Descriptions of the limited exhibits that are accessible are only in Portuguese :(

Leavy peretto

March 22, 2024

Nice bulging, free entrance ! You just get to walk in the main hall and some rooms on the first floor. It's very nice and quick to visit

Charles nelson

March 22, 2024

We went on a guided tour of the Nacional Library and it was amazing (besides having the best - funniest - pictures taken by the library's guide - Sorry John VI). Perfectly located on Cinelandia Square with over 9 millions items on its collection from: books, documents, magazines, newspapers, press releases, etc. It has been opened for over 200 years and it's the largest in Latin America and the 7th largest in the World. If you're in Rio, I'm a local guide here. Feel free to get in touch with me through any social media: @DEBOMZAI

Rick derthick

March 22, 2024

The National Library is beautiful. With a very rich architecture is considered by UNESCO one of the biggest national libraries of the world and the largest library in Latin America. When I visited the library I saw the exposure to exiles from World War II. Very interesting!

Kenneth berglund

March 22, 2024

The biggest library of Latin America is very impressive from outside! You can visit it for free, but actually inside you’re only able to visit very few places, most of it is closed for visitors.

Jared

March 22, 2024

The National Library is one of the jewels of the Floriano square together with the Municipal Theatre, the City Hall and other buildings, most of them erected during the Belle Époque more than a century ago. The National Library has an impressive collection of books, some 60.000 of them brought over by the royal family on their flight from Portugal to Brazil in the early 19th century. You get an impression of the marvelous architecture just walking around in the reception area. But I was a bit disappointed that the guided tour - which was otherwise good - doesn’t bring you further inside the building. Like many other public institutions in Brazil, the National Library is visibly overstaffed. On the day of my visit, literally dozens of employees stood in each other's way in the reception area, including security guards who cheered loudly while eating their lunches behind the counters and on benches set aside for visitors.

Creative art monster

March 22, 2024

The building is beautiful but most of the places were not open to visitors. We joined a free guided tour in English at 1400 which was a nice experience. The guide told us interesting stories about Brazil history and showed us some restricted areas too.