This luminous, revolving artwork takes over the Temple of the Four Winds on the edge of Castle Howard’s Gardens, created by renowned artist and designer Es Devlin.
The artwork invites everyone to join in communal reading, honouring 2026 as the National Year of Reading.
A magnificent sculpture made from hundreds of books is inside the Temple. Four concentric tables, where visitors can read, draw, talk or listen to a soundscape, are outside the Temple.
The Library of the Four Winds has been created as part of Vanbrugh 300, celebrating Castle Howard’s architect Sir John Vanbrugh in his tercentenary year.
Es Devlin is a celebrated British artist and designer, known for public sculptures and installations outside at Tate Modern, and Trafalgar Square in London, and Lincoln Centre in New York, and inside at the V&A, Imperial War Museum and Somerset House
Es has designed stage productions at the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera and the National Theatre, as well as the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, and the 2022 Superbowl Halftime show (featuring Dr Dre and Kendrick Lamar). She has also designed stadium tours for music artists, including Adele, The Weekend and Beyonce.
The Temple of the Four Winds located at the southeast corner of Ray Wood, in the Gardens at Castle Howard. It’s a ten-minute walk from the House. The Temple was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built in the 1720s. It has wonderful views of New River Bridge, the Mausoleum, and the wider Estate, and an underground cellar, originally designed as a space to prepare refreshments.
An art installation inside and around the Temple of the Four Winds.
Access to the art installation is included in House & Gardens and Gardens tickets.
Until 27th September, 2026
Castle Howard’s architect, famous for designing the House. Vanbrugh went on to design other famous houses in Britain, including Blenheim Palace.
A British artist and designer.
Inside the Temple is a revolving sculpture made from hundreds of books. Outside the Temple is four concentric tables which visitors can sit at, and a soundscape.
People of all ages are welcome to see the Temple and the art installation, and to bring their own books and enjoy a quiet moment of reading in a unique location. The Skelf Island Adventure Playground is open every day for families spending the day at Castle Howard.