This Library in Zurich Looks Like a Movie Set, and It Is Totally Free
Zurich has no shortage of beautiful buildings, but very few interiors top what’s hidden inside the University of Zurich. The Rechtswissenschaftliche Bibliothek is a working law library that also happens to be one of the most visually striking spaces in the city. There is no ticket counter and no tour schedule. Visitors can walk in during opening hours and experience the space as it is.
The building is still used daily by students and researchers.
The Interior That Made This Library Famous
The building was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2004. Instead of constructing a new standalone structure, the design was inserted into the courtyard of an older, early-1900s building. From the outside, it blends into the surrounding university architecture. Inside, the experience is completely different.
A tall central atrium rises toward an oval glass roof that draws daylight deep into the building. Around it, six levels of curved wooden galleries form stacked rings lined with bookshelves and study desks. The shape gives the entire room a sculpted, almost floating look, especially when viewed from the ground floor.
Roughly 500 study desks have been added across the levels, surrounded by legal collections used daily by university students and academic researchers.
Visiting Is Surprisingly Easy
Anyone can enter during public opening hours, and there is no entry fee or special registration required just to step inside. The library typically operates from early morning until evening on weekdays and for slightly shorter hours on weekends.
Since it is an active academic space, visitors are expected to keep noise to a minimum and to respect those working there. Photography is generally allowed as long as it does not disturb the environment.
The layout naturally pulls your eyes upward toward the glass dome. Natural light spreads evenly across the wooden surfaces. The curved gallery levels create depth, so the building feels much larger once you stand in the center than it appears from the outside.
Many visitors mention that the exterior gives no real hint of the scale or design waiting inside, and that element of surprise is often what makes the visit memorable.
It Is Still, First and Foremost, A Real Law Library
The collection focuses on legal texts, academic journals, and research materials. University of Zurich students use it every day for coursework, exam preparation, and research projects.
The practical setup supports long work sessions. There is reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of power outlets, and large desk spaces designed for serious studying. Some locals use it as a regular work spot rather than a one-time visit.
Where You Will Find It
Image via iStockphoto/todamo
The library is located along Rämistrasse in central Zurich, inside the University of Zurich campus, making it easy to reach from the main train station by tram, bus, or a short walk uphill through the university district. Its location also places it close to museums, historic streets, and riverfront walking routes, which makes it easy to include during a day exploring the city center.