The building housing the Royal University Library and Royal State Archives was built to the design of Rudolf Lubynski at the beginning of the 20th century. Lubynski was one of the most productive architects from Zagreb, who worked successfully in Germany too.
The building (80 metres long and 46 metres wide) is set in a park, incorporated harmoniously into the ambience of the Lower City (Zagreb’s ‘green horseshoe’). This mansion is the best work of Croatian Art Nouveau. It is an outstanding example of the successful blending of different architectural styles from the early 20th century. Especially noteworthy is the high dome above the large reading room at the centre of the mansion. Each of its four pillars is topped with an owl (an ancient symbol of wisdom) carrying a globe. The facades are decorated with allegories of four academic sciences (philosophy, medicine, law, and theology), and the pediment of the south façade with an allegory of bookselling. The building suggest a sense of good impression for every guest in Zagreb.