When most billionaires think about leaving a legacy, they build skyscrapers, museums, or charitable foundations. Italian luxury fashion entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli has chosen something different: a library. The founder of the cashmere fashion empire is creating the Universal Library of Solomeo, an ambitious cultural project in the medieval Italian village where his company is based. Inspired by the ancient Library of Alexandria, the library aims to preserve humanity’s greatest books and make them freely accessible to readers, scholars and future generations. More than a collection of books, Cucinelli envisions it as a living monument to knowledge, beauty and human dignity that will continue growing for the next 1,000 years.
The story behind Brunello Cucinelli’s 1,000-year Universal Library project
For Brunello Cucinelli, the Universal Library is the culmination of a lifelong love affair with books. The idea grew from his belief that literature, philosophy and history have the power to shape better societies. Instead of investing solely in commercial ventures, he has spent decades restoring Solomeo, a medieval hilltop village in Italy’s Umbria region, transforming it into a centre for culture, craftsmanship and education.Construction of the library began in late 2021 as part of this broader vision. Rather than creating a conventional public library, Cucinelli wanted a timeless institution that would preserve the finest ideas produced by humanity. He has described the project as “a gift for the next thousand years”, hoping that each generation will continue adding meaningful works to its shelves.Unlike many modern libraries that increasingly focus on digital collections, the Universal Library celebrates the experience of reading physical books. Visitors will be encouraged to browse shelves, sit quietly in reading rooms and spend hours immersed in timeless literature without distraction.
Inspired by the legendary Library of Alexandria
The ancient Library of Alexandria, founded more than 2,000 years ago in Egypt, was one of history’s greatest centres of learning. It sought to gather knowledge from every known civilisation, attracting scholars from across the ancient world before much of its collection was eventually lost.Cucinelli sees his Universal Library as a modern tribute to that extraordinary institution. While it cannot recreate Alexandria’s vast collection, it embraces the same philosophy that knowledge belongs to everyone and should be preserved for future generations.His vision is intentionally global. The collection will not focus only on Italian literature or European thought but will celebrate influential works from different cultures, languages and civilisations that have shaped human history.
What books will the Universal Library contain?
The Universal Library is being carefully curated around books that have endured through centuries rather than temporary bestsellers. The collection will include philosophy, literature, poetry, architecture, history, religion, science, art and craftsmanship.Among the authors Cucinelli frequently admires are Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Michel de Montaigne and Immanuel Kant. Their writings, he believes, continue to offer guidance on ethics, justice, beauty and the human condition.The library will also preserve important works from Eastern and Western traditions alike, reflecting Cucinelli’s belief that wisdom transcends geography, language and religion. Instead of simply accumulating thousands of books, the emphasis will be on preserving works that have profoundly influenced civilisation.
Why Brunello Cucinelli believes books are humanity’s greatest companions
Cucinelli often speaks about books in deeply personal terms. In his essay The Granary of the Spirit, he describes them as lifelong companions that nourish both the intellect and the soul.He believes reading encourages patience, reflection and independent thinking, qualities that are increasingly valuable in an age dominated by fast-moving digital content and constant notifications. According to Cucinelli, books allow people to have conversations with great thinkers across centuries, offering perspectives that remain relevant regardless of changing technologies.His philosophy also shapes the culture of his fashion company, where he promotes what he calls “humanistic capitalism” – a business model that balances profit with respect for workers, culture and community.
A library designed to grow for centuries
One of the most distinctive features of the Universal Library is that it is not intended to be completed within Cucinelli’s lifetime. Instead, he hopes future generations will continue expanding its collection for hundreds of years.The shelves are deliberately designed with room to grow, allowing each era to contribute works that stand the test of time. This makes the library a living institution rather than a finished monument.By planning on a millennium-long timescale, Cucinelli hopes to encourage society to think beyond quarterly profits and immediate success. The project asks a simple but profound question: what knowledge deserves to be preserved for people living hundreds of years from now?
More than a billionaire’s dream
Brunello Cucinelli’s Universal Library reflects a belief that culture is one of humanity’s greatest inheritances. While his luxury cashmere brand has earned him global recognition, he has repeatedly suggested that books, philosophy and education represent a far more meaningful legacy than wealth alone.If his vision succeeds, visitors centuries from now may walk through the quiet reading rooms of Solomeo, discovering the same timeless works that inspire readers today. In an era defined by rapidly changing technology, the Universal Library stands as a reminder that some of humanity’s greatest achievements are still found between the pages of a book.
