Oscar Niemeyer Library (Bibliothèque Oscar Niemeyer)
About Oscar Niemeyer Library (Bibliothèque Oscar Niemeyer)
The Oscar Niemeyer Library is a stunning architectural landmark housed in the 'Petit Volcan' (Small Volcano), designed by legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened as a library in 2015. The building features a distinctive curved white concrete structure based on a hyperbolic paraboloid formula, creating a striking contrast with Auguste Perret's orthogonal reconstructed city center nearby. Located within Le Havre's UNESCO World Heritage area, this 5,000 m² cultural space offers free admission and contains over 114,000 documents including books, films, and music. The spectacular interior features a large glass roof flooding the space with natural light, creating one of Niemeyer's most acclaimed works. Visitors can admire the award-winning architecture, browse the collections, and enjoy the café while experiencing this masterpiece of 20th-century modernism. The library is closed on Mondays and has reduced hours during summer and school holidays.
Interesting Facts
Oscar Niemeyer fled Brazil in 1964 after a military coup due to his membership in the Brazilian Communist Party. He established his practice in Paris and later collaborated with Jean-Maur Lyonnet on this project, the same architect who designed the French Communist Party Headquarters in Paris.
The volcanic shape uses the same hyperbolic paraboloid mathematical formula that Antoni Gaudi employed for the Sagrada Familia and that Niemeyer used for the Brasilia Cathedral. This shared geometric principle connects the library to some of the world's most iconic architectural works.
When the cultural center first opened in 1982, locals mockingly called it 'elephant's foot' and 'yoghurt pot' due to its unusual shape. It took eight years before the city officially adopted the name 'Le Volcan' (The Volcano), which is now used with pride.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
2 place Niemeyer, 76600 Le Havre, France
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