Photographer Captures Beautiful Symmetrical Shots of Libraries Around the World

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Salle Labrouste, Paris, 1868

As evident in his symmetrical shots of Berlin's beautiful architecture, Paris-based photographer Thibaud Poirer knows how to expertly capture interiors. In his latest series, Libraries, Poirer offers a gorgeous glimpse inside some of the world's most unique reading rooms.

Like his past work, Libraries presents the symmetrical beauty and diverse decorative styles of various institutions' interiors. Some, like Biblioteca Joanina in Coimbra, Portugal and Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne in Paris, France feature ornate architecture inspired by a classical aesthetic. Others, including Germany's Grimm Zentrum Library and Stadtbibliothek, convey an entirely modern approach to design. Ultimately, regardless of style, each library boasts an appearance that is both awe-inspiring and deeply historic.

As particularly evident in Libraries, Poirer's portfolio is molded by his diverse collection of cultural experiences. Though he has now settled in picturesque Paris, he has lived in many places around the globe. “I have spent most of my life experiencing other cities and cultures across the world,” he explains on his website. “I've called Buenos Aires, Houston, Montreal, and Tokyo home to name a few.” Some of these cities are even featured in Libraries, illustrating his resonance and deep connection with these sites.

To capture each striking shot, Poirer uses a Canon 6D camera with 17mm and 24mm TS-E lenses. According to the photographer, this equipment enables him “to control perspective for architectural shots and to create undistorted panoramas with optimal image quality.” If you'd like to learn more about Poirer's process and practice, stop by his website.

In his series of library photos, photographer Thibaud Poirer presents the beautiful interiors and architecture of reading rooms around the world.

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra, 1728

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Biblioteca Casanatense, Rome, 1701

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

El Ateneo, Buenos Aires, 1919

Library Photos Interior Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Stadtbibliothek, Stuttgart, 2011

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Trinity College Library, Dublin, 1732

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Palàcio Nacional de Mafra, Mafra, 1755

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, 1850

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, Salle Jacqueline de Romilly, Paris, 1897

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Bibliothèque de l'Hotel de Ville de Paris, Paris, 1890

Library Photos Interiors Architecture Thibaud Poirer

Grimm Zentrum Library, Berlin, 2009

Thibaud Poirier: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Behance
h/t: [This Isn't Happiness]

All images via Thibaud Poire.

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Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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