The British Library just got listed

If being the largest public building to be built in the twentieth century wasn’t kudos enough, the iconic British Library has finally been granted the prestige of a Grade I listing.  That’s kind of a big deal considering the five-floor, red-brick building, designed by Sir Colin St John Wilson and MJ Long, took  37 years to construct, only to be slated as an eyesore, a waste of money and the 'ugliest building in the world'. Harsh. But now the architectural A-lister, which is home to more than 150 million items, joins an exclusive club of the top 2.5 percent of listed buildings in England. How’s that for last laughs?

Find out more about the British Library.

Or take a look at this literary tube map.