Biblioteca de México "José Vasconcelos", Public library in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico.
The Biblioteca de México "José Vasconcelos" is a public library with glass walls, multiple floors, and interconnected reading areas spread across a substantial building. Its architecture features floating bookshelves and varying floor levels that create an open, flowing layout for exploring collections.
The library was established in 1946 as an institution dedicated to public knowledge and cultural development. It underwent significant structural changes during renovation work in the 2000s, emerging with a contemporary design that continues to serve education and research.
The library serves as a gathering place where exhibitions and community events celebrate local writers and artists throughout the year. Visitors experience this as a living cultural center rather than just a repository of books, where conversations and presentations shape how people engage with ideas.
The location near Buenavista train station makes it easy to reach by public transportation. The library offers free access to books, journals, films, and digital materials, making it a welcoming place for people with different interests and needs.
A large whale sculpture by artist Gabriel Orozco hangs in the central space, suspended among the floating bookshelves. This unexpected artwork merges with the architecture, making the space feel like more than just a library.
Location: Cuauhtémoc
Inception: 1946
Address: De La Ciudadela 4, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06040 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Website: http://bibliotecademexico.gob.mx
GPS coordinates: 19.42945,-99.15025
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
This collection brings together urban locations away from the usual routes, ranging from historic churches and public gardens to libraries, museums, and markets. The selection includes underground salt mines in Poland, converted railway stations in Rotterdam, rooftop gardens in London, abandoned listening stations in Berlin, butterfly gardens in Laos, a transformed bookstore in Buenos Aires, and a canal system running through the old town buildings of Lyon. Some of these places sit in quiet neighborhoods or on city edges, while others hide within busy districts. They show architecture from different centuries, religious sites from various traditions, art projects on former industrial land, and markets that have grown in unusual settings. Some spots offer insight into local ways of life, others tell stories of historical change or artistic experiments. The collection connects places that are often overlooked but worth visiting.
Antimonumento +43
649 m
Teatro Metropólitan
554 m
San Juan Market, Mexico City
586 m
Torre del Caballito
757 m
Torre Reforma Colón
498 m
Folk Art Museum
647 m
Edificio El Moro
713 m
Museo de Arte Popular
632 m
Monument to Christopher Columbus
621 m
La Ciudadela
15272.9 km
Fuente de la República
646 m
Glorieta de las mujeres que luchan
612 m
Torre Prisma
674 m
Torre Contigo
620 m
Ciudadela Market
203 m
Café La Habana
468 m
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
701 m
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church, Plaza de San Juan
667 m
Torre Cuarzo
532 m
Chinese clock
221 m
Edificio Corcuera
624 m
Basilica of Saint Joseph and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Cuauhtémoc, Federal District, Mexico
736 m
Plaza de la Ciudadela, Mexico City
106 m
Puerta 1808
673 m
Cultural Centre Indianilla Station
741 m
Antiguo Hotel Reforma
765 m
Library of México (Ciudadela)
90 m
Telmex Tower
655 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes