Rogelio Salmona's 2001 public library on the edge of the Simón Bolívar park complex, a spiral of red brick, reflecting pools and ramped terraces widely regarded as one of the finest modern buildings in Latin America. The roof terraces are open to the public and frame a clean view of the eastern mountains across the water.
The Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco is a public library at Avenida Carrera 60 No. 57-60 in the Teusaquillo area of Bogotá, Colombia, on the edge of the Parque Simón Bolívar complex. It was designed by the architect Rogelio Salmona and opened in 2001. The building is a spiral of red brick, reflecting pools and ramped terraces, and is widely regarded as one of the finest modern buildings in Latin America.
Visitors can walk through the building freely, following ramps and stairs that climb around a central atrium and lead to the roof terraces. Water channels and pools frame the brickwork, and the design plays with light, shadow and the sound of water. The roof terraces are open to the public and frame a clean view of the eastern mountains across the water, and the reading rooms below hold the library's collections of books, periodicals and multimedia. The library is part of the city's BibloRed network and is actively used by local residents, so respectful behaviour is expected.
A visit takes about 45 minutes, longer for those who wish to read or study inside. The library is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00AM to 8:00PM and Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, and is closed on Mondays. Entry is free. Late afternoon is the best time, when low light rakes across the brick ramps and reflects off the water, giving the best conditions for photography.
The building is quiet on weekday mornings and busier in the afternoon and on weekends, when students and families use the reading areas and the surrounding park. It is a ten-minute walk north from the Salitre-El Greco TransMilenio station and is close to the Jardín Botánico and the Parque Simón Bolívar, which makes a combined outing straightforward. Visitors should keep noise low in the reading rooms and follow staff instructions about photography in study areas.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday-Saturday 8:00AM-8:00PM; Sunday 9:00AM-5:00PM; closed Mondays |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon, when low light rakes across the brick ramps |
| Getting there | TransMilenio to Salitre-El Greco station, then a 10-minute walk north |
| Address | Avenida Carrera 60 No. 57-60, Bogotá D.C., Colombia |
Location
Avenida Carrera 60 No. 57-60, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
4.6581, -74.0841 View on map
Highlights
- A red-brick spiral building by Rogelio Salmona, opened in 2001
- Reflecting pools and ramped terraces
- Public roof terraces with views of the eastern mountains
- Free entry beside the Parque Simón Bolívar
Tips for visiting
- Visit in late afternoon, when low light rakes across the brick ramps.
- Entry is free, but keep voices low in the reading rooms.
- The library is closed on Mondays.
- Combine with the Parque Simón Bolívar and Jardín Botánico nearby.
- Ask staff about photography rules in study areas.
When to visit
Late afternoon, when low light rakes across the brick ramps. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Accessibility
The building is designed around ramps and includes lifts, which makes many areas accessible to wheelchair users. Some terraces and water features may involve steps, so visitors should confirm details with staff.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes, longer for reading or study.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the ramps, water and roof terraces interest children, and the library has areas for young readers.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the architecture is generally welcome, but rules apply in reading and study areas.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free.
Tours and tickets
Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco
See guided tours and ticketsWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.