University Library on global list of most beautiful universities

Prix Versailles “World’s Most Beautiful Universities List 2026"

27 July 2026

The University Library of the University of Amsterdam has been selected for the Prix Versailles “World’s Most Beautiful Universities List 2026”.

The Prix Versailles is an international architecture award recognising projects that combine architectural excellence, sustainability and cultural impact.

The Prix Versailles published the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Universities List 2026’ on 27 July. Three campuses on this list will later receive a ‘World Title’, which will be awarded on 10 December at UNESCO Headquarters.

New University Library

Opened on 1 September 2025 in the University Quarter, the University Library is housed in the former Binnengasthuis hospital complex. The historic building has been carefully renovated and transformed into a modern academic library for students, researchers and visitors.

Prix Versailles on the University Library

The new University Library at UvA marks the flamboyant conversion of a listed former hospital complex, without altering its historical identity.

This project by MVSA Architects, in collaboration with Buro van Stigt, is amplified by an idea that was as simple as it was ambitious: to transform the inner courtyard into a vast atrium. This was the basis for the biomimetic roof, a slender, self-supporting steel structure inspired by the geometry of a leaf. Harmoniously straddling old and new without imposing on the historical fabric, it maximises daylight, enhances indoor comfort and creates a climatic buffer.

As the building’s spatial and social heart, the atrium is anchored by its sculptural “Tree of Wisdom” staircase, which encourages movement, encounters and discovery.

Facing the city, the new façade is decorated with three-dimensional letters that reproduce a line from Martinus Nijhoff’s poem “Awater” in 24 languages and 6 writing systems, in reference to the languages taught at UvA’s Faculty of Humanities. A perfectly “readable” building that stimulates curiosity.

The 2026 list also includes the Health Translation Hub (UNSW Sydney), the Ray Dolby Centre (University of Cambridge), the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre (University of Oxford), the Anthony Timberlands Center (University of Arkansas), the Robert Day Sciences Center (Claremont McKenna College), the David Rubenstein Treehouse (Harvard University) and the Bloomberg Student Center (Johns Hopkins University).

Universities are offering ever more attractive work environments for their students, faculty and staff. Campuses are becoming inspired, connected places where beauty is expressed not only in building design but also in stronger ties to nature. Jérôme Gouadain, Prix Versailles Secretary General

We are very proud of this recognition. It underlines our ambition to create an open, sustainable and inclusive academic environment in the heart of the city. Carlos Reijnen, director of the UvA/AUAS Library

See the full list of laureates on the Prix de Versailles website

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