Los Angeles has a knack for making everything a production, and it seems reading is no exception. Downtown L.A.'s Central Library is currently featuring an installation that transforms the historic interior into something quite unique: *Luceros y Penumbras: The World’s Largest Pop-up Book*.
This free exhibition is available for public viewing through November. It's a genuine behemoth, holding a new Guinness World Record for its size. When fully unfurled, the book stretches approximately 31 by 20 feet, with its intricate paper structures towering more than 11 feet into the air. The entire piece weighs over 1,800 pounds, yet it's constructed using traditional bookmaking materials like paper, adhesive, and fabric.
L.A. artist and printmaker Daniel González created *Luceros y Penumbras*. The library commissioned the piece as the centerpiece for its centennial celebration. González drew inspiration from his own history, the rich history of Los Angeles, and the Central Library's long-standing role as a hub where Angelenos across generations have come to discover, learn, and imagine.
The massive book unfolds into two enormous pop-up spreads. These are filled with intricate scenes and imagery designed to explore themes of memory, culture, and discovery. The complex paper engineering that allows these structures to rise from the pages was handled by Matthew Reinhart, known for his work on numerous elaborate pop-up books. Goodnight & Co. managed the full-scale engineering and fabrication needed to bring González's grand vision to life.
Accompanying the record-breaking installation is a display of rare movable books from the library’s Toy Movable Collection. These offer a miniature contrast to the enormous, Guinness-certified creation. *Luceros y Penumbras* makes a compelling case for reconsidering pop-up books as something more than just for children's shelves, inviting all ages to experience its scale and artistry.
The Los Angeles Central Library, a Downtown landmark located at 630 W. 5th St., turned 100 years old in July. The institution has been marking this significant milestone throughout 2026 with a variety of special events, exhibitions, and programs, with *Luceros y Penumbras* being a highlight. Visitors can also explore other centennial features, including the contents of a hundred-year-old time capsule, during their visit.
