Libraries in the Netherlands

Discover 6 unusual libraries in the Netherlands.

Bibliotheca Thysiana circa 1920.

Leiden, Netherlands

Bibliotheca Thysiana

This public library and its impressive collection of academic books have not changed since the 17th century.

Cuypers Library

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cuypers Library

This gorgeous reading room houses the oldest and largest art history library in the Netherlands.

A place to sit and read in the oldest Jewish library in the world

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Biblioteca Ets Haim

The world's oldest Jewish library was founded by Sephardic Jews in 17th century Amsterdam.

Corpus Hermeticum: first edition, by Marsilio Ficino, 1471 CE, at the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica (Ritman Library)

This impressive collection of rare books on ancient mysticism inspired author Dan Brown.

Chained books on their lectern

Zutphen, Netherlands

Librije Chained Library

Unchanged for centuries, this medieval library keeps its books in chains.

Spijkenisse, Netherlands

Book Mountain

Peek through a transparent pyramid and drink in the mountain made of books.

Are we missing something unusual in the Netherlands?