The National Library of Israel

The new home of the National Library of Israel opened its doors to the public in October 2023. The opening marked the culmination of a visionary dream of Lord (Jacob) Rothschild for the National Library’s renewal, spanning three decades of planning, design and construction.
Designed by the world-renowned Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, the iconic building spans approximately 46,000 sqm and features a main Reading Room that accommodates 600 readers, a robotic book retrieval system, an auditorium, space for cultural events and educational functions, and permanent and rotating exhibitions with rare and precious treasures from the Library’s collections
The National Library of Israel collects, preserves, disseminates and imparts treasures of creativity, heritage and knowledge that reflect the diverse cultural, geographic and historical tapestry of the Land of Israel, the State of Israel and the Jewish people. For six decades, from 1960, it resided at the Givat Ram Campus of The Hebrew University.
In 1998 together with The Hebrew University and the Ministry of Education, Yad Hanadiv commissioned a distinguished International Committee to assess the Library’s status. The Committee concluded that the Library had to be reborn. Since that time, Yad Hanadiv worked tirelessly to advance this ambitious project to create a transformative institution in the cultural life of Israelis and Jews throughout the world.
The signing of the National Library Charter in March 2011 gave expression to the Library’s vision and goals and marked the official launch of the renewal project. The Charter stated that: ‘The physical and virtual doors of the Library will be open to people of all nations and religions, to draw an increasing number of users from among the general public and from among the research community in Israel and the world, and to serve them in the best way possible.
’Speaking at the launch of the NLI renewal in March 2011, Lord Rothschild noted: ‘The renewal of the National Library in this period of change provides an extraordinary opportunity to define the balance between physical and virtual space and the character of a revitalized National Library.’
The cornerstone for the new National Library of Israel building was laid on 5 April 2016, on a site allocated by the government, adjacent to the Knesset. Thus, the National Library joined two other landmark buildings that have become integral parts of Jerusalem's skyline with the support of Yad Hanadiv – the Knesset and the Supreme Court – showcasing the Foundation’s dedication to continuing the philanthropic legacy of the Rothschild family in Israel.
The new building provides facilities suitable for the cultural, educational, and research endeavours of the Library, alongside expanding digital capabilities which extend the Library’s reach well beyond its physical base. Yad Hanadiv continues to work hand in hand with the National Library to advance digital strategy and platforms that enable access to its collections and remains committed to excellence, innovation, and equal access to knowledge and opportunity.
Though Lord Rothschild did not live to visit the Library after it had opened to the public, his daughter, Hannah Rothschild, Chair of the Foundation, reflected on its significance: ‘For more than 140 years, our family’s foundation, Yad Hanadiv, has promoted education, health and social justice through its programmes and buildings which include the Knesset, the Supreme Court and now the new National Library. This gift was made for the benefit of all the citizens of Israel and we are extremely proud of this iconic addition to Jerusalem’s skyline.’