This library is architect Jo啪e Ple膷nik鈥檚 masterpiece, completed in 1941. To appreciate this great man鈥檚 philosophy, enter through the main door (note the horse-head doorknobs) on Turja拧ka ulica 鈥 you鈥檒l find yourself in near darkness, entombed in black marble. As you ascend the steps, you鈥檒l emerge into a colonnade suffused with light 鈥 the light of knowledge, according to the architect鈥檚 plans.
The Main Reading Room (Velika 膶italnica), open to nonstudents only by group tour (adult/child 鈧5/3) in July and August, has huge glass walls and some stunning lamps, also designed by Ple膷nik.