Es Devlin Unveils Transformative Moving Library in Miami Beach

On the shores of Miami Beach, a unique art installation has captivated visitors with its innovative design and purpose. Es Devlin unveiled the Library of Us as the centerpiece of Faena Art Miami Art Week 2025, transforming the landscape into a dynamic space for reading and reflection. This moving library, featuring a kinetic bookshelf, invites attendees to pause, engage with literature, and share experiences in a communal setting.

The installation is marked by a striking triangular bookshelf that stands 6 meters tall and spans 15 meters in length. It houses 2,500 books and rotates on its axis every ten minutes, creating a subtle yet profound experience of drift that encourages a contemplative atmosphere. The design seamlessly integrates materials such as steel, marine plywood, and LED elements, transforming the beach into a reflective landscape where text appears as both light and motion.

Creating a Shared Reading Experience

Surrounding the central bookshelf is a monumental circular reading table designed to accommodate hundreds of visitors. This table consists of two concentric rings: the outer circle remains stationary, while the inner circle rotates in sync with the bookshelf. This unique architectural choice reshapes the act of reading, allowing participants to encounter new perspectives and connections with fellow readers as they share the space.

A rich audio score enhances the environment, featuring 250 excerpts read by Devlin herself, layered with music to create a communal soundscape. This sonic backdrop blurs the lines between private reading and public ritual, fostering a sense of shared engagement among participants.

The Library of Us will be on display until December 7, 2025. It serves not only as an art piece but also as a functioning public library, illuminating the continued relevance of communal reading. At the conclusion of the exhibition, all books will be donated to public libraries, schools, and community organizations throughout Miami, ensuring that the project leaves a lasting legacy.

Expanding the Artistic Vision

In addition to the library, two other installations complement the experience at Faena Art Week. Inside the Faena Cathedral, The Reading Room features a 14-meter bench integrated with bookshelves and an LED screen, showcasing phrases contributed by the hotel’s staff. Nearby, Tracing Time displays drawings and paintings that reveal Devlin’s creative process through layers and repetition.

These works collectively provide insight into Es Devlin‘s multidisciplinary practice, emphasizing the power of shared language and community. The Library of Us stands as a reminder that literature holds its greatest significance when it is shared, inviting visitors to slow down and engage in a collective ritual of reading.