Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze

The nucleus from which the National Central Library of Florence was born was the private library of Antonio Magliabechi, consisting of some 30,000 volumes, which in 1714 was left, according to his will, 'for the universal benefit of the city of Florence'. 

In 1747 it was opened to the public for the first time under the name Magliabechiana.
In 1771 Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo renounced the Biblioteca Mediceo-Palatino-Lotaringia and wanted it united with the Magliabechiana.

Originally, the Library was housed in premises that were part of the Uffizi complex. In 1935, it was moved to its current location, built from 1911 onwards to a design by architect Cesare Bazzani and subsequently extended by architect Vincenzo Mazzei. The building, one of the rare examples of library construction, is part of the monumental area of the Santa Croce complex.

The Library is only accessible for study and lending purposes; however, there are exhibition spaces for exhibitions, with access from Via Magliabechi 2