Copenhagen Royal Library: history meets modernity

The Royal Library of Copenhagen, also known as “Det Kongelige Bibliotek” (the Black Diamond), is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover contemporary architecture and delve into Denmark’s literary and cultural history.

Located by the harbor, this library not only houses a vast collection of books, it’s also a vibrant cultural center that’s well worth a visit on your tour of Copenhagen.

The best views of the Royal Library

The Royal Library is located on Copenhagen’s waterfront. To admire the sublime building, we recommend you stand back a little.

Here are two points of view that we feel are essential:

1. 👀 From the quayside in front of the library: Stroll along the waterfront on foot or by bike, not far from the famous Little Mermaid, and you’ll see the gleaming facade of the Black Diamond reflected in the harbor waters.
   
2. ⛵ On a boat cruise: Another way to see the library in its entirety is from the water. The many cruises that ply Copenhagen’s canals usually pass close by the Black Diamond. From the water, you can appreciate the building’s contemporary architecture in all its splendor, with a unique panoramic view of this part of the harbor.

Guided tours to discover the secrets of the Black Diamond

If you’d like to learn more about the history and architecture of the Royal Library, guided tours are organized on a regular basis. These tours allow you to explore areas usually closed to the public and discover the library’s hidden treasures.

👉 You can consult the various tours on the library’s official website, and these tours are offered in several languages, including English.

Modern architecture in a historic setting

Founded in 1648, the Royal Library is Scandinavia’s largest library. Its extension, the Black Diamond, completed in 1999, immediately catches the eye with its black marble and glass façade, which reflects the waters of the harbour. The striking contrast between the old library building and this ultra-modern structure perfectly represents the fusion of past and present.

But it’s when you step inside that the beauty of the place really shines through. Its gigantic entrance hall, bathed in light thanks to large bay windows, houses a café, a boutique, exhibition rooms and spiral staircases leading to the upper floors. Access to the lobby is free, as is the adjoining garden.

🌟 To take full advantage of the architecture, we recommend you climb to the top floor, where you’ll have a breathtaking view of the entire library, with its suspended walkways and elegantly laid-out study rooms.

The Royal Library garden

🌿 The Royal Library of Copenhagen has a peaceful garden, free of charge.

This Royal Library garden, known as “Bibliotekshaven”, is located behind the old library wing, nestled between the main building and the Danish Parliament (Christiansborg).

This formal garden is laid out around a central pond and adorned with statues, including one representing the famous Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Where is Diamant Noir located?

📍 The Royal Library of Copenhagen is ideally located in the heart of the city center, in the historic Indre By district.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the majestic Christiansborg Castle, now home to the Danish Parliament, and the National Museum of Denmark, where treasures of the country’s history and culture are on display.

Video : Royal Library

To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a video preview of what you can expect when you visit Le Diamant Noir.