1492 illuminated manuscript Book of Hours page with religious illustration and ornate decorations

Załuski Library

Visiting Załuski Library, Warsaw: Tickets, Hours, and History

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Załuski Library, founded in 1747 in Warsaw by brothers Józef Andrzej Załuski and Andrzej Stanisław Załuski, is recognized as one of Europe’s earliest public libraries and a cornerstone of Polish intellectual and cultural heritage. Its establishment marked a turning point in the democratization of knowledge, offering public access to an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and prints. Although the original library suffered destruction and dispersal through centuries of political turmoil, its legacy endures within the National Library of Poland. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Załuski Library’s remarkable history, visitor information, and practical travel tips to enrich your experience in Warsaw (biographs.org; portal.ehri-project.eu; bn.org.pl).

Historical illustration of Biblioteka Załuskich library in 1745

Historical medieval calendar manuscript page from Calendarium Parisiense

Leaf from the Calendarium Parisiense manuscript with medieval calendar illustrations

Vintage bookplate with ornate design and the inscription 'Exlibris Zaluski'

Tower in the garden of the former Załuski Library building

Historical building facade of former Załuski Library in Warsaw

Wall of the right wing courtyard of the former Załuski Library building

Statues of kings in the walls of the former Załuski Library courtyard left wing

Entrance to the courtyard of the former Załuski Library building, now converted into a street

Historic building of the former Załuski Library in 1752

Illuminated manuscript page depicting the Horae Beatae Virginis Mariae with religious artwork

Handwritten letter by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Ancient Greek manuscript page from Minuscule 569 showing handwritten biblical text

Illustration from Zygmunt Gloger's Old Polish Encyclopedia Volume I published 1900

Ancient illustrated manuscript page from the works of Macrobius with Latin text and detailed sketches

Entrance building of the historic Załuski Library in Warsaw

Historical Overview

The Załuski Brothers’ Vision

Józef Andrzej and Andrzej Stanisław Załuski, both prominent bishops and bibliophiles of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, sought to create a center for learning accessible to all. Using personal resources, they collected over 400,000 volumes, including rare incunabula, scientific treatises, and works of art. Opened in 1747 as the Biblioteka Rzeczypospolitej Załuskich, the library quickly became one of the largest and most influential in Europe (biographs.org).

Enlightenment Ideals and Public Access

The Załuski Library epitomized Enlightenment values, prioritizing public access over exclusivity. Its open doors and advanced cataloging system fostered intellectual exchange and national identity, positioning Poland as a leader in European scholarship (biographs.org). After Józef Andrzej’s death in 1774, the library continued its mission under the authority of the Commission of National Education, reinforcing its integration into Poland’s educational reforms.

Loss and Fragmentation

Poland’s partitions and the subsequent seizure of the library’s collection by Russian forces in 1795 dealt a devastating blow. Approximately 262,640 volumes and 25,000 engravings were transferred to St. Petersburg, laying the foundation for the Imperial Public Library (now the National Library of Russia) (academia.edu). Fragmented recovery efforts in the 19th and early 20th centuries returned only a small portion of the original holdings.

World War II and Ultimate Destruction

During World War II, Warsaw’s libraries, including the former Załuski site (then the Krasiński Family Library), suffered catastrophic losses. The building was destroyed in 1944, with countless irreplaceable works lost to fire and looting (bn.org.pl). The loss of the Załuski Library stands as a symbol of the broader destruction of Polish cultural heritage.

The Załuski Legacy Today: National Library of Poland

The National Library of Poland (Biblioteka Narodowa), established in 1928, is the direct successor to the Załuski Library. It preserves remnants of the original collection and continues to champion public access, digitization, and international collaboration. Special exhibitions, reading rooms, and educational programs keep the Załuski spirit alive for scholars and visitors alike (National Library of Poland).

Visiting the Załuski Library / National Library of Poland

Location

Address: Aleja Niepodległości 213, 02-086 Warsaw, Poland

The National Library is centrally located and well-served by public transportation, with metro stations and bus stops nearby. Limited parking is available for those arriving by car.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Check the official opening hours for updates, especially around public holidays.

Tickets and Admission

Admission: Free for general access and reading rooms.
Registration: Required for access to collections—bring a valid photo ID.
Special Exhibitions: Occasional ticketed events (10–20 PLN).

Registration and Access

Register at the main desk with valid ID to receive a reader’s card. International visitors can find assistance in English. Researchers wishing to consult rare items should present a letter of introduction.

Collections and Facilities

Collections: Rare manuscripts, early printed books (often digitized on Polona.pl), maps, and iconographic materials.
Reading Rooms: Specialized spaces for rare books, manuscripts, and general research.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, lockers, cafeteria, wheelchair accessibility, bilingual signage.

Accessibility

Full wheelchair access, including elevators and restrooms.
Staff assistance available for visitors with disabilities.

Guided Tours and Events

No regular public tours, but guided group visits and special events are available by advance arrangement. Contact [email protected] or call +48 22 608 29 99 for more information.

Photography and Etiquette

Silence required in reading rooms.
Handle materials carefully; gloves may be required.
Photography is generally prohibited; digitization requests can be made via Polona.pl.
Food and drink are not allowed in reading rooms.

Exploring Nearby Attractions

Łazienki Park: Historic gardens and palaces.
Palace of Culture and Science: Iconic city landmark.
Warsaw Uprising Museum: In-depth look at Warsaw’s WWII history.
Warsaw Old Town & Royal Castle: UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history.

Combine your library visit with these sites for a full Warsaw cultural experience (Go2Warsaw; Away to the City).

Digital Resources and Virtual Visits

Explore digitized manuscripts and rare books from the Załuski collection on Polona.pl. Virtual tours and high-resolution images are available on the National Library’s website.

Safety and Security

Security personnel and CCTV throughout the building.
Security checks at entrances.
Staff trained for emergency assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need tickets to visit the Załuski Library/National Library?
A: General admission is free, but registration is required. Special exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: Is the library accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, full wheelchair access and staff assistance are available.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the library?
A: Photography is generally not allowed in reading rooms; digitization services are available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Group tours can be arranged in advance; contact the library for details.

Q: How can I access rare books and manuscripts?
A: Register as a reader and, for certain materials, submit a formal request. Many items are digitized for online access.

Contact Information

Address: Aleja Niepodległości 213, 02-086 Warsaw, Poland
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +48 22 608 29 99
Website: National Library of Poland – Opening Hours

Map and Visuals

View the library’s location on Google Maps. For a preview of interiors and exhibitions, explore the National Library’s website and digital galleries.

Visitor Tips

Plan Ahead: Register early and browse the catalogue online.
Bring Photo ID: Required for registration and access.
Allow Time: Reserve 2–3 hours for a thorough visit.
Combine with Other Sites: Explore nearby historical and cultural attractions.
Stay Updated: Follow the National Library on social media for news and events.

For additional insights and guided tours, download the Audiala app and explore Warsaw’s historical sites with expert audio commentary.

Summary

The Załuski Library’s journey from a pioneering Enlightenment institution to its modern legacy within the National Library of Poland exemplifies the resilience of Polish culture and scholarship. Despite historical upheavals, the library’s ideals of open access and knowledge preservation continue to inspire visitors, researchers, and history enthusiasts. Today, the National Library welcomes all who wish to explore its collections and learn about Poland’s enduring intellectual spirit (biographs.org; academia.edu; bn.org.pl; Go2Warsaw).