The Library's vocation to revive the history of physics and mathematics is clear to any casual visitor. Many images accompany the visit, from the early days of ICTP to the fathers of modern science. A bust of Marie Curie welcomes the users and introduces them to her biographical timeline; a bust of S. Ramanujan guards the other end of the Library, recalling the prize ICTP annually dedicates to the young mathematical genius.
Of particular interest is the series of group portraits from the famous Solvay Conferences, starting from the first meeting in 1911, with Madame Curie, Einstein, Planck, Rutherford, de Broglie, and all the world's most notable physicists of that time.
The area in front of the Information Desk is the display space for new acquisitions. From time to time it accommodates exhibitions dedicated to renowned scientists. There stands the beautiful winged angel of the Premio Barcola Prize 2014, a prestigious local prize given to Professor Quevedo in recognition of the role of ICTP in enhancing the image of Trieste and Italy throughout the world.
The greatest attention, however - and couldn't be otherwise - goes to Abdus Salam.
The Marie Curie Library dedicates a memorial website to Professor Abdus Salam (1926-1996), Nobel Laureate in Physics 1979, Founding Director (1964-1993) and President (1994-1996) of ICTP.
The site is largely based on his archives, and on the permanent exhibition of awards, gifts and other memorabilia hosted in the Library premises that can be freely visited. This alone makes a stop at the Marie Curie Library a must for any visitor at ICTP.
Professor Salam's collections are displayed in two rooms and two large showcases. The exhibition includes his private library, consisting of over 1280 books covering all sciences, humanities, social sciences, literature, the arts, history and geography. It also houses his complete scientific works, personal objects and photo albums.
