AIA Presents:
Location:Exeter, NH
Architect:Louis Kahn, FAIA
Year Built:1971
Fact:Currently the largest secondary school library in the United States, housing 160,000 volumes.

Share
Image Gallery
Panel Discussion
listen
Map Location
KML
Phillips Exeter Library
Rate: starstarstarstarstar Votes: 45

Phillips Exeter Library

The Phillips Exeter Academy Library at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire is among the renowned masterworks of architect Louis Kahn. The building is organized around a 5-story atrium, providing the reading room with even, diffused daylight all year round. Balconies containing the stacks and study alcoves encircle the atrium. In 1995, the library was officially named the Class of 1945 Library, honoring Dr. Lewis Perry, Exeter's eighth principal (1914-1946).

Discussion
border

I really have to marvel at the construction. I am very impressed when bricklayers get everything right and they had to on this building. There is a sense of monumentality when you walk up to the building and look up the piers.

Amy Bailey, AIA
border
border

He is known for this quote, “between silence and light and you can always find yourself in silence,” and in many ways his buildings allow us to deeply think about our lives because they give us the silence to be able to understand our relationship to the world.

Mina Chow, AIA
border
About Shape of America
About our Sponsors
Commentary
Join the Conversation
recent photo

Highest Rated
recent photo

Most Recent

Search Architect
AIA 150