John P. Robarts Library
John P. Robarts Library, Research library at University of Toronto St. George Campus, Canada
The triangular concrete structure rises 14 stories above St. George Street, featuring a geometric pattern of windows across its exterior walls.
The library opened in 1973 as the largest academic library building worldwide, containing three million volumes and space for 4,100 users.
The building design influenced Italian writer Umberto Eco's portrayal of the mysterious library in his novel The Name of the Rose.
Students access specialized areas including the East Asian Library, Government Information center, and Media Commons through designated floors.
The library appeared in the film Resident Evil: Afterlife as a zombie-filled prison and in an episode of Friends as a hospital.
Location: Toronto
Inception: 1973
Architects: Mathers & Haldenby, Warner Burns Toan & Lunde, Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Official opening: July 30, 1973
Architectural style: brutalist architecture
Part of: University of Toronto Libraries, University of Toronto
Address: 130 St. George St. M5S 1A5
Website: https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca
GPS coordinates: 43.66444,-79.39944
Latest update: May 27, 2025 10:03
Concrete buildings from brutalist architecture of the 1950s through 1970s. The structures feature raw concrete surfaces, geometric shapes and exposed structural elements. These buildings include administrative centers, universities, churches, theaters and residential complexes from multiple continents.
Rotman School of Management
119 m
University of Toronto Schools
357 m
Bata Shoe Museum
320 m
University College
323 m
Massey College
157 m
Graduate House, University of Toronto
196 m
Newman Centre, Toronto
95 m
Robertson Davies Library of Massey College (University of Toronto)
172 m
Sidney Smith Hall
239 m
Luella Massey Studio Theatre
131 m
Sussex Court, University of Toronto
125 m
123 St. George Street, Toronto
274 m
40 Sussex Avenue, Toronto
201 m
Ramsay Wright Laboratories
152 m
370 Huron Street, Toronto
101 m
Claude T. Bissell Building
66 m
Gerald Larkin Building
245 m
Fasken Building
213 m
Clara Benson Building
178 m
George Ignatieff Theatre
243 m
121 St. George Street, Toronto
251 m
703 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
294 m
School of Continuing Studies Building, University of Toronto
255 m
Max Gluskin House
192 m
Sir Daniel Wilson Residence
253 m
Woodsworth College Main Building
218 m
Trinity College (Main Building)
322 m
University College Union Building
198 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