Bayerische Staatsbibliothek

(Bavarian State Library)

This lordly red and yellow brick building (built 1830s) looks like it’s been yanked off a piazza in Florence and carefully set down in the middle of Munich.

THINK ABOUT IT: Four philosophers greet visitors to the Bavarian State Library.

The collection of 7 million books and 40,000 magazines includes much material on history, ancient sciences, music and literature from south and Eastern Europe as well Asia.

There’s plenty more besides including maps, famous autographs and book plates from the pioneering days of printing.

Duke Albrecht V started the collection all the way back in 1558. Greeting visitors at the front entrance are statues of deep Greek thinkers Thucydides, Homer, Aristotle and Hippocrates.

The building’s design is by Friedrich von Gärtner which accounts for its Italianesque look. I think you’d love this place if you’re on an academic research mission, otherwise there’s not too much to see inside.

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