I had this exclamation running up my spin when I walked in this rare book library. I wasn't able to have a tour inside the first time I visited Yale. On my second visit, the chance to see the inside of this library alone worths the trip.
The library is a windowless rectangular shape building. Built with danby marble, the building gives out a cold feeling outside and, yet, warm and rich color inside. The glass box in the middle that contains all the rare books and manuscripts provides a exhibition taste. It's the coolest library I have seen, design-wise.
Gordon Bunshaft is the architecture of the Beinecke Library. It is interesting to realize that his original idea is to build the library with onyx, which provides better translucency and protection for delicate books from the sun. " I happen to love books, especially bindings, and I thought it ought to be a treasure house..." he said. The idea had to be given away due to cost and some issues beyond control.
It's one library that does give out a treasure box feeling.
