TU Delft Library
An architectural marvel with a grass-covered roof, this modernist library is a unique study space and a landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for quiet study
TU Delft Library
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for quiet study
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An architectural marvel with a grass-covered roof, this modernist library is a unique study space and a landmark.
"Amazing library, a must see for architecture enthusiasts."
📸 Architectural Photo Ops
Capture the unique grass roof and modernist design from various angles. Early morning light is best!
📚 Study Spot Seeker
Great for focused study, but can get busy. Check for designated quiet zones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Grass Roof
Exterior
A striking, grass-covered roof that blends modern design with nature. A unique architectural statement.
Modernist Interior
Main Reading Room
Expansive, light-filled spaces with a distinctive modernist aesthetic. Perfect for study and contemplation.
Architectural Design
Building Exterior
A landmark building by Mecanoo, known for its innovative and visually appealing design. A must-see for architecture lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Architecture
Study and Relax
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Architectural Photo Ops
Capture the unique grass roof and modernist design from various angles. Early morning light is best!
📚 Study Spot Seeker
Great for focused study, but can get busy. Check for designated quiet zones.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The library has a cafeteria, Coffee-star, offering plant-based options.
☀️ Rooftop Relaxation
The roof is a great spot to relax on sunny days, though can be crowded during exams.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Architectural Photo Ops
Capture the unique grass roof and modernist design from various angles. Early morning light is best!
📚 Study Spot Seeker
Great for focused study, but can get busy. Check for designated quiet zones.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The library has a cafeteria, Coffee-star, offering plant-based options.
☀️ Rooftop Relaxation
The roof is a great spot to relax on sunny days, though can be crowded during exams.
🐶 Meet Norah (Retired)
The library's beloved mascot dog, Norah, has retired but brought comfort to many students.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the TU Delft Library's stunning modernist architecture, particularly its iconic grass-covered roof. It's praised as an excellent study environment with great facilities and a unique atmosphere. Some minor issues include the 'smart' blinds in the glass room, which can be annoying when the sun shines directly into faces.
"...this library is the central library at Delft Technical University, with a unique building design that embraces modernism, making it visually appealing. According to existing records, the library holds a collection of over 860,000 books and approximately 16,000 magazines, all of which will greatly help improve the scientific literacy of its students. The library also features a cafeteria and a shop..."
Hendra A Sastradinata
"Amazing library, a must see for architecture enthusiasts"
Vlad Grumezescu
"Open everyday throughout the year. Nice and many facilities! Best place for studying"
Miftahul Fahmi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The TU Delft Library is centrally located on the TU Delft campus. You can reach it by public transport, with buses and trams stopping nearby. If driving, there is parking available, though it can be busy.
Yes, the library is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus lines and tram routes serve the TU Delft campus, making it convenient to reach from Delft city center and surrounding areas.
From Delft city center, you can take a bus or tram directly to the TU Delft campus. Cycling is also a very popular and efficient way to get around Delft and reach the library.
Yes, there are parking facilities available on the TU Delft campus. However, it's advisable to check current parking regulations and availability, as it can get crowded, especially during peak academic periods.
Yes, the library is open to the public, though access might be restricted during peak exam periods. It's a popular spot for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a unique study environment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no ticket is required for general entry to the TU Delft Library. It's a public university library, and visitors are welcome. However, access might be managed during high-demand periods like exams.
The library is typically open every day throughout the year, often with extended hours during exam periods. It's best to check the official TU Delft Library website for the most up-to-date opening hours.
There is no admission fee for the TU Delft Library. It functions as a public university library, welcoming students, staff, and visitors to experience its unique architecture and facilities.
As a visitor, you can generally explore the public areas of the library and use facilities like the cafeteria. Access to specific study spaces or borrowing privileges may be limited to students and staff.
Yes, the library sometimes hosts study sessions and events. For example, CSA Rotterdam organized a study session there. Keep an eye on their social media or website for announcements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The TU Delft Library is renowned for its unique, modernist architecture. It features a striking grass-covered roof, a large central cone, and expansive glass facades, making it a visually impressive structure. 
Beyond studying, you can admire the unique architecture, relax on the grass roof on sunny days, grab a coffee at the cafeteria, and explore the vast collection of books and magazines.
Absolutely! The library's distinctive design makes it a fantastic spot for photography, both for its exterior and interior architectural elements.
Yes, as a university library, it has designated quiet zones and study areas designed for focused work. However, it can get busy, especially during peak academic times.
The library offers numerous facilities, including extensive book and magazine collections, study spaces, a cafeteria (Coffee-star), and a shop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria called Coffee-star located within the TU Delft Library. They offer various drinks, including specialty coffees like Matcha, and plant-based options.
The Coffee-star cafeteria offers a range of beverages and snacks. They are known for their coffee, including plant-based milk options and special drinks like Matcha coffee.
Yes, the Coffee-star cafeteria at TU Delft Library offers plant-based coffees and other options, aligning with TU Delft's ambition for sustainability.
While specific policies can vary, university libraries often have designated areas for eating or encourage consumption only in the cafeteria. It's best to check signage or ask staff.
The cafeteria is a great spot to take a break from studying, socialize, and refuel. It provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the quiet study zones.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are the grass-covered roof, the central cone structure, and the expansive glass facades. The interior's modernist design also offers great shots.
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the TU Delft Library. However, always be mindful of students studying and avoid disruptive flash photography.
While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or drone usage would likely require special permission. Be respectful of the study environment.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for exterior shots, minimizing crowds. The interior is well-lit by natural light throughout the day.
Its unique, award-winning architecture, the integration of nature with the grass roof, and the modernist interior design make it a highly photogenic and distinctive landmark.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less busy times, like weekday mornings, to allow children to experience the space without disturbing students. The sheer scale and unique form of the building can spark curiosity and imagination in younger visitors. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to impressive modern architecture in a real-world setting.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
+2Pay attention to the details: the interplay of glass, concrete, and the natural elements. The library's design is a testament to innovative and sustainable architectural practices. It's a prime example of how functional spaces can also be visually stunning and inspiring. Don't forget your camera to capture its unique angles and forms.
🧑🎓 Students & Researchers
Take advantage of the quiet study zones and the communal areas like the cafeteria for breaks and networking. The library's central location on campus makes it easily accessible for daily study sessions. It's a place where academic rigor meets cutting-edge design, creating an optimal environment for learning and discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1The interior is equally impressive, characterized by an open, light-filled atrium and a central cone that houses the main reading room. The use of glass allows natural light to flood the space, creating an inspiring environment for study and research. The library holds a vast collection of over 860,000 books and 16,000 magazines, serving as a vital resource for students and researchers. Its design prioritizes functionality, with various zones catering to different study needs, from silent individual carrels to collaborative spaces.
Visitors often remark on the library's unique atmosphere, where cutting-edge architecture meets the quiet hum of academic pursuit. It's a place that inspires, whether you're a student seeking knowledge or an architecture enthusiast admiring its form. The building's integration with its environment and its commitment to providing a conducive learning space make it a landmark worth experiencing.
A Hub for Study and Community
Beyond its academic function, the library fosters a sense of community. It houses a popular cafeteria, Coffee-star, which is a hub for students to socialize, grab a coffee, and take a break. This blend of study and social space is a hallmark of modern university libraries. The library has also been known for its comforting presence, exemplified by its former mascot dog, Norah, who provided a sense of calm during stressful exam periods.
+1Events and study sessions are sometimes hosted here, further enhancing its role as a community space. For instance, study sessions organized by groups like CSA Rotterdam utilize the library's focused environment. This multifaceted role—as an architectural icon, a vital academic resource, and a community hub—makes the TU Delft Library a unique and engaging destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit