A photograph of National Library of Peru
Photograph · Biblioteca_nacional_del_Peru.JPG: *derivative work: Xauxa (talk) · CC BY 3.0

Activity · Lima

National Library of Peru

Biblioteca Nacional del Perú

Open today, 08:30 – 20:00
Today
Open today, 08:30 – 20:00
Visit duration
2 hours Reviewed and set by an editor
Accessibility
Step-free
Price
PEN 0.00 per person
Standing
Must see
Rank
Rank 67 of 14,581
Plan a day around this Map

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Plan your visit.

Opening hours

Monday 08:30 – 20:00
Tuesday 08:30 – 20:00
Wednesday 08:30 – 20:00
Thursday 08:30 – 20:00
Friday 08:30 – 20:00
Saturday 08:30 – 20:00
Sunday 08:30 – 20:00

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Admission

Per person PEN 0.00

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Access and facilities

  • Accessible toilets · Available
  • Pushchair access · Available
  • Step-free access · Available
  • Toilets · Available

Read from the OpenStreetMap access tags; anything not listed has no tag recorded.

Set the group type to family in the planner and the day window contracts to about three quarters of a solo day.

About National Library of Peru

The Biblioteca Nacional del Perú is Peru's national library and principal documentary institution. Headquartered in the San Borja district of Lima, it serves as the country's central repository for published works, manuscripts, and historical records. The institution holds legal deposit status, requiring Peruvian publishers to submit copies of all publications. Its modern civic building represents a significant contemporary architectural presence in Lima's cultural landscape, functioning as both a research center and public cultural facility for national heritage preservation. The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays. Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors. The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays. Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification. Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors. Metro Line 1 La Cultura station and Metropolitano/Corredor buses on Avenida Javier Prado serve the library. Yes. Ceremonies, events, maintenance or security controls can change the ordinary visitor route. No. Nearby museums, performances and commercial services use their own admission terms. The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays. Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification. Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors. Metro Line 1 La Cultura station and Metropolitano/Corredor buses on Avenida Javier Prado serve the library. The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays. Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification. Level entrances, lifts, accessible

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The library houses extensive collections of Peruvian and international publications, including books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, and audiovisual materials. Its holdings encompass historical manuscripts, incunabula, and rare documents significant to Peruvian history. The institution maintains digital resources and online catalogues accessible through its official portal. Research facilities support scholarly work across multiple disciplines, with particular strength in Andean studies, Latin American history, and Peruvian cultural documentation. Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification. Metro Line 1 La Cultura station and Metropolitano/Corredor buses on Avenida Javier Prado serve the library.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

Researchers undertaking specialized archival work may need full days or multiple visits. The scale of engagement depends entirely on visitor purpose: casual observers of architectural features or temporary exhibitions spend less time than scholars examining specific holdings. First-time visitors should allow additional time for registration procedures and orientation. The building's public spaces permit self-paced exploration without guided itinerary constraints. A flexible visit lets travellers connect National Library of Peru with the rest of the day without treating one room, viewpoint or photograph as the whole experience. Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays. Worship, weather, restoration and events can replace ordinary access. Metro Line 1 La Cultura station and Metropolitano/Corredor buses on Avenida Javier Prado serve the library.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification. The base amount and currency follow the operator tariff; premium products and separate institutions remain excluded unless named. Yes. Ceremonies, events, maintenance or security controls can change the ordinary visitor route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

Metro Line 1 La Cultura station and Metropolitano/Corredor buses on Avenida Javier Prado serve the library. Use the named entrance or stop because hills, security and historic streets change the approach. No. Nearby museums, performances and commercial services use their own admission terms.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors. The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays. Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification. Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors. Historic surfaces, crowds and security remain relevant.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Photography policies within the National Library are not uniformly permissive across all spaces. Professional or commercial photography requires explicit authorization. Visitors should observe posted signage and staff instructions regarding camera use. Reproduction of collection materials for research purposes follows separate application procedures distinct from casual photography. When uncertain, visitors must seek staff clarification rather than assume permission. Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Place details and sources

Established
1821 Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
Michele Trefogli Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Wikipedia article
National Library of Peru Wikipedia · Checked 2026-09-09

Common questions

What is the regular access schedule?

The San Borja headquarters opens Monday-Friday 08:30-20:00 and Saturday 09:00-16:00; closed Sunday and public holidays.

What does admission cover?

Entry, reader registration and ordinary reading-room use are free with identification.

Is the visit fully step-free?

Level entrances, lifts, accessible toilets and adapted reading spaces connect all principal public floors.

What is the named public-transport approach?

Metro Line 1 La Cultura station and Metropolitano/Corredor buses on Avenida Javier Prado serve the library.

Can operations alter access?

Yes. Ceremonies, events, maintenance or security controls can change the ordinary visitor route.

Does this site share one ticket with nearby attractions?

No. Nearby museums, performances and commercial services use their own admission terms.

Nearby

Within 3 min on foot
  • Casa Goyeneche 1 hr 30 min
    3 min walk

    Casa Goyeneche

    • High · Heritage site
    • Museum
  • Torre Tagle Palace 1 hr 30 min
    3 min walk

    Torre Tagle Palace

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Museum
  • Central Market of Lima 45 min
    3 min walk

    Central Market of Lima

    • Must see
    • Market

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·