National Library of Colombia, National library and cultural monument in Las Nieves district, Bogotá, Colombia.
Description
The National Library of Colombia sits in a four-story building with Art Deco details at the intersection of Calle 24 and Carrera 5 in central Bogota. The building holds over two million items, including historical manuscripts, rare books, and publications that span centuries of records.
History
The institution was founded in 1777 by Viceroy Manuel de Guirior and began with books from Jesuit communities expelled by order of Spain's King Charles III. It later received protection as a national monument, recognizing its importance as a landmark for the country.
Culture
The library bears the nation's name and shapes Bogota's cultural life as a place where people explore and learn about their own heritage. Students and researchers gather here to discover sources that reveal who the people in this country were and are.
Practical
The location is open on weekdays and Saturdays, giving visitors time to explore the collections and work in the reading rooms. It is helpful to check exact hours before visiting, since holidays and special events can change regular operations.
Did you know?
The building was the first public repository of its kind on the American continent, marking an important role in the country's development. Today visitors can see manuscripts centuries old that document the stories of people who lived here.
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