National Library of Brazil

The magnificent National Library of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro is the largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world

Facade of the National Library of Rio de Janeiro
Facade of the National Library of Rio de Janeiro cc licensed Wikimedia photo by Halleypo

For those of you who love to read and who love seeing historical buildings you absolutely have to take a trip down to the National Library of Brazil. This library is the largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest library in the world with a collection of roughly 9,000,000 items. Situated in Rio de Janeiro, this magnificent building is a treasure chest of manuscripts, books, lithographs, cartographic material, photographs, coins and medals.

There seem to be two versions as to why the library was brought to Brazil. In one version of the story it is stated that in 1755 Portugal suffered a massive earthquake which led to a lot of damage to the existing infrastructure of the Royal Library. In a bid to save the prized documentation of the Royal family the library was moved to Brazil in three phases which started in 1810. Initially, it was the upstairs rooms of the Hospital of the Third Order of the Carmel located close to the Palace Imperial that was used. But because these were not considered the best location for this valuable library, Prince Regent issued a decree for funds to be provided from the royal treasury in order to build the royal library.

In the other version of the story, the Royal family brought the books from Portugal with them as they exiled themselves to Brazil days before Napoleonic troops invaded Portugal in 1807. This was their way of protecting their royal documentation and other items of interest. It is stated that the National Library was moved three times before the go ahead was given and the National Library of Brazil, then called the Portuguese Royal Library, was built. At the time of its establishment it had over 60,000 books, manuscripts and other items. Over the years the collection grew as other items of interest were collected and added to its vaults.

In its early years it is said that the library was only open to special scholars. They needed to get permission in order to access materials. Later in 1814 it was opened to the general public but the general public did not have a great interest in the library due to having only basic literacy so its aisles were frequented by the educated elite of Brazil.

Pay a visit to the National Library of Brazil, take some time to browse through the amazing collection and satisfy your curiosity on almost any topic while surrounded by the splendour of it architecture.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: National Library of Brazil

Fee: No

Category: Libraries

Address: Av. Rio Branco 219 - 4
Rio de Janeiro - RJ 20040-920
Brazil

Phone: +55 21 3095-3879

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 4 Reviews.

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4 Star Rating Brazil's National Library is located in Rio, off the Cinelandia metro station, and is a block away from the Art Museum and the Municipal Theater. If you're... Read More

Darya S. Mar-17-2014

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - GreenCinelândia1 Minute

How to get to National Library of Brazil by Metro

National Library of Brazil is located immediately east of the exit from Cinelândia Station.

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A quick look around the beautiful interior of the National Library of Rio de Janeiro

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