The director of Birmingham’s new Library has been quoted as saying it’s “unashamedly a tourist attraction”. I agree.
It’s a bold achievement – from the high-impact exterior with its giant metal flowers, to the authentic 19th century Shakespeare Room that’s been reassembled in the golden barrel on the roof.
I’ve loved seeing it from my hotel room across the city (see pic – snapped through glass on a sunny spring morning). Or spotting its distinctive purple-lit presence against the night sky … It’s becoming quite literally a landmark for tourists.
Inside, the building buzzes as visitors explore the social spaces as well as the cultural resources. Figures just released say it’s had 2.7 million visits in its first year. The cafe may struggle to cope. Yet the roof garden with its wildflower meadow maintains a Zen-like calm.
And from the glass-walled observation room on the top floor, there’s a new panorama of the city.
Yes. Definitely a tourist attraction.