It’s not just a library, it’s a work of art. You might not have thought that the Los Angeles Central Library was a place worth visiting, but if you happen to chance upon it while passing by, one glance at the building will change your mind. It looks like a building straight out of ancient Greece, with a smooth beige façade and a central tower capped by a mosaic pyramid. This pyramid is colourfully decorated with sphinxes, snakes and other celestial figures. Surrounded on all sides by skyscrapers of glass and steel, the library presents an intriguing sight. It was designed with the influence of ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean architectural elements, and with good reason. The ancient civilizations were held as centres of knowledge and learning, bringing to mind institutions such as the Library of Alexandria. It’s fitting that this modern-day library should embody the spirit of those times. Once you step into the interior, the beautiful art doesn’t stop there. You can find a colourful ceiling mural by Venician artist Renee Petropoulos right in the main lobby, a frieze that retells the story of Ivanhoe in the International Languages Department, and many other surprises waiting for you all over. It’s the perfect blend of culture and beauty that will leave you breathless with admiration.