National Library of Israel

Client: National Library of Israel with Yad Hanadiv - Rothchild Family and Gottesman family Location: Jerusalem, Israel Date: 2023 Status: under construction, 2013 In collaboration with: Herzog & de Meuron

Credit: Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with Mann-Shinar architects.

The new National Library of Israel, towards completion in 2023, will be a major landmark building, set next to the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), Government Compound and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The 45,000 sqm Library houses more than 5,000,000 items, including rare book collections of all cultures. It will be a magnet for scholars and visitors, a space for exhibitions and cultural programs.

The horizontal iconic profile of the whole building is perched like a stone “monolith” hovering above the hilly site, designed so as not to overshadow the adjacent Knesset; As such most of the design focus is on the underground levels. The focal space – the round Reading Room, “a sea of books”, lit from above. Under this multi-level space, one can have a glimpse into the large underground automatic book storage.

The unique exterior is designed as massive stone walls with lights penetrating through small gaps, a new interpretation inspired by ancient architecture. Large cantilevers at the narrow ends of the building create both dramatic contemporary expression as well as provide large shaded areas for visitors to enjoy.

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National Library of Israel

Client: National Library of Israel with Yad Hanadiv - Rothchild Family and Gottesman family Location: Jerusalem, Israel Date: 2023 Status: under construction, 2013

Credit: Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with Mann-Shinar architects.

The new National Library of Israel, towards completion in 2023, will be a major landmark building, set next to the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), Government Compound and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The 45,000 sqm Library houses more than 5,000,000 items, including rare book collections of all cultures. It will be a magnet for scholars and visitors, a space for exhibitions and cultural programs.

The horizontal iconic profile of the whole building is perched like a stone “monolith” hovering above the hilly site, designed so as not to overshadow the adjacent Knesset; As such most of the design focus is on the underground levels. The focal space – the round Reading Room, “a sea of books”, lit from above. Under this multi-level space, one can have a glimpse into the large underground automatic book storage.

The unique exterior is designed as massive stone walls with lights penetrating through small gaps, a new interpretation inspired by ancient architecture. Large cantilevers at the narrow ends of the building create both dramatic contemporary expression as well as provide large shaded areas for visitors to enjoy.