On Paseo de Recoletos in Madrid’s Salamanca district, the Biblioteca Nacional de España combines a grand neoclassical building with a public museum about books and the library’s history. Founded in 1712, it holds millions of books and historical documents, including manuscripts, maps and music. Museum displays include illuminated manuscripts and interactive material on printing. Most exhibition spaces are open to the public, but the library is a working institution, so a visit is focused on the exhibitions rather than browsing or borrowing books.
A library founded in 1712
King Philip V founded the Biblioteca Nacional in 1712. Today, the institution holds millions of books and historical documents, making it Spain’s largest library. Its collections include books, manuscripts, maps and music.
The library preserves every book published in Spain. Its holdings include ancient manuscripts and works by Miguel de Cervantes. The collection is much larger than what is on view to casual visitors: borrowing books requires a reader or researcher card.
The museum and exhibitions
The public museum explains the history of the library and the development of printing. Interactive displays introduce the printing press, while exhibitions bring together old books and illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition programme also includes temporary shows, so the material on display can change.
Most exhibition spaces are open to the public. The museum is a better fit for a visit centred on books, objects and displays than for browsing shelves or reading from the library collection. Exhibition details are often presented in Spanish.
Häufige Fragen
Is the Biblioteca Nacional free to visit?
The museum is free to visit.
Can visitors borrow books from the Biblioteca Nacional?
You need a reader or researcher card to check out books from the collection.
What can you see at the Biblioteca Nacional?
The museum has displays on printing and the library’s history, along with exhibitions that include old books and illuminated manuscripts.
