Real Gabinete Português de Leitura

Real Gabinete Português de Leitura is a library and lusophone cultural institution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, located at Lus de Cames Street, number 30. The State Institute of Cultural Heritage has it on its list. Time magazine named the Cabinet the fourth most beautiful library in the world, and it has the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal.

In 1837, a group of Portuguese emigrants in Rio de Janeiro resolved to open a library in their new homeland. Their vision became a reality fifty years later when the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (also known as the Royal Portuguese Reading Room) welcomed millions of visitors.

Outside of Portugal, Real Gabinete library holds the biggest collection of Portuguese works. Rare works include a copy of Os Lusadas of Cames (1572), the Ordinations of D. Manuel (1521), the Capitolos de Cortes and Leys (1539), Verdadeira informaçam das terras do Preste Joam, segundo vio e escreveo ho padre Francisco Alvarez (1540), a manuscript of Machado de Assis' comedy "Tu, só tu, puro amor"

The Reading Room, now considered a Brazilian corner, displays its history on the walls both within and outside the library, with a front built of limestone imported from Lisbon.

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil