The iconic Richard J. Riordan Central Library in Los Angeles has unveiled the world’s largest pop-up book, an ode to knowledge and discovery.
Commissioned by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, the monumental 'Luceros y Penumbras' was created by artist Daniel González with assistance from paper engineer Matthew Reinhart. The piece spans 31 feet wide and 20 feet tall when open, standing over 11 feet high and weighing nearly a ton.
Surrounded by Dean Cornwell’s murals depicting California history, the book features motifs of Los Angeles' diverse cultures, ecology, and traditions. One spread centers around a tree with the city skyline, while another showcases the library's facade with the bilingual phrase 'Each person is a library.' The project not only breaks records but also celebrates the library as a beacon of learning.
Currently on view alongside the library’s Toy Moveable Collection—over 2,000 pop-up books and objects—it will remain there until November 2026. This unique exhibit serves both as a tribute to Los Angeles' rich history and a celebration of modern storytelling techniques.
