beinecke rare book & manuscript library

AndyL71

We came through here on a tour - so sadly did not stay long. An incredible building with some great and historic works. The light through the marble walls is amazing. Well worth visiting.

GiladIsrael

Unfortunately I didn't have time to take the organized tour of the library, but I entered the building and was very impressed. The library is very massive and ugly looking from the outside, yet very interesting inside. I enclosed some photos, and next time I'll spend more time visiting the site.

DevLen33113

Beinecke is located in what I call "The Courtyard of the Ages" because as you enter from the street you have the Roman Forum to your right and the Futuristic Beinecke on your left. I suggest that you enter via World Famous Woolsey Hall and it's amazing architecture. Either way is a memory that you will not forget. Think The Louvre gallery and it's Glass Pyramid. The treasures of the Beinecke are too numerous to mention but the first time I entered I ran right into one of the rarest books on earth, an original Gottenburg's Bible. The first book printed on a printing press (you can't get older than THE FIRST)! I marveled at Christoforo Colombo's charts to the new world and the controversial "Vinyard Map" of Eric the Red. I also found a very rare "Rescuing the Czar" (a very great historical mystery of monumental proportions, if true. You will find whatever interests you and you will develop new tastes and interests as I did with "Rescuing". The only downside is the parking and one way streets.

teacherlady05

This is the place for you! Just being in the presence of these rare books and items is awe inspiring. Be sure to have a reason to check out some things so you can peruse history from living documents. I adore this place!

merulana

The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is something like I have only ever previously seen in movies. The architecture is absolutely stunning, and the marble pieces over the windows to block out the sun truly do make you feel like you are visiting someplace special. Absolutely worth a trip!

608marvinm

definitely worth a visit. I was there through the Yale Tour (also highly recommended) and the architecture of the library is stunning. also there are so many rare books and always interesting exhibits that you can look at. if in new haven definitely stop by!

Saussy

The building is an architectural wonder--marble panels so thin the sun penetrates. There is always an interesting exhibit, for example, the Gutenberg bibles. The center stacks and climate controlled, so they are not for visiting without permission. Nevertheless, if you are in New Haven, it is definitely worth a visit.

pbloomer

A beautiful space with a Gutenberg Bible and more. you can see a very small Book of the Hours and a very large Audobon's "Birds of North America" at one stroll in this wonderful library. Easy to park on the street and take an afternoon stroll among wonderful books. The space is beautiful and worth a visit.

jamesonbeckwith

Walk around the entire Yale campus, but make sure you get inside the Beinecke Library. Easily one of the most impressive looking things I've seen. If you're a book snob, you might blackout. Even if you're not, you can't help but be taken back. A lot of really rare and interesting displays. Try to book a tour of the research rooms in advance. My girlfriend is a librarian student so it helped to get into most of the areas.

SwimMomRuns

View Yale's two volumes of the Gutenberg Bible--the collection of rare books and architecture of the building inside and out are a feast for your eyes and mind!

jtann98

You will be impressed before even stepping foot inside - the exterior itself is a work of art! Inside, be amazed by the different collections on display - seriously don't miss this if you are in the area.

GeraldWW2

. . . the stunning beauty of the courtyard, the exterior, the interior and the displays that are on the inside of the Library, which houses rare books that you may only look at, but not touch. Gutenberg Bible.

ThePackedBag

Panes of 1.25-inch-thick marble give the 1960s-era Beinecke a distinctive look. White and gray from the outside, the marble glows a warm amber-like hue on the interior, allowing filtered light to enter the space without damaging the rare contents, which range from ancient papyri to works by great 20th-century writers.A giant six-story tower of books is encased in glass and surrounded by a mezzanine level that draws visitors to free rotating exhibitions, lectures by preeminent thinkers, and musical performances. The Gutenberg Bible, the first Western book printed from movable type, and Audubon’s Birds of America are on permanent exhibition.A definite must-do!

turkergirl

I never thought that it would be anything to write home about, but...wow...what an amazing library. A real work of art. Go!

879jvg

I traveled to New Haven as part of a fellowship to visit the Beinecke for research. It is excellent in that capacity, but if you just want to see the (amazing!) building that houses its rare collection, it is open for tours.