In a world increasingly dominated by screens, tech mogul and philanthropist Bill Gates has created a stunning homage to the printed word — a massive, secret library that resembles a temple, hidden behind an unassuming wall in his Medina mansion.
Nicknamed the “Temple of Books” by close friends and architects, the private sanctuary is accessible only through a concealed entrance behind Gates’ iconic floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. Once inside, visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring space filled with rare manuscripts, classic literature, scientific texts, and historic artifacts, all meticulously catalogued and preserved.
Designed with warm oak paneling, ambient lighting, and hushed acoustics, the room blends the aesthetics of a traditional monastery library with futuristic elements. A glass dome above filters natural light directly onto a central reading altar, while climate-controlled vaults house priceless works, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester — which Gates famously purchased for $30.8 million in 1994.
“It’s a space for thinking, dreaming, and learning,” Gates has reportedly told visitors. “When the world outside is noisy, I come here to listen to the silence of great minds.”
The library reflects Gates’ lifelong love for reading — a habit he credits as the key to his success. He reportedly reads 50 books a year and shares his top picks annually through his blog Gates Notes.
While the Temple of Books remains off-limits to the public, its mystique has sparked global interest among bibliophiles and architecture lovers alike. A symbol of quiet intellectual pursuit in an age of distraction, it reminds us that even in the digital age, the power of the printed page endures.
