The Black Diamond – Royal Danish Library
Sjælland
The Black Diamond, completed in 1999, is a modern waterfront extension of the Royal Danish Library located on Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen. Designed by Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the building is renowned for its polished black granite cladding mined from Zimbabwe and its distinctive prismatic shape that leans and expands, creating a striking architectural landmark. The interior features a bright, top-lit atrium with wavy balconies that contrast the dark exterior, serving as a central hub for visitors. The library houses six reading rooms with ample seating and natural light, exhibition spaces inspired by the library's collections, a café, a gift shop, and a 600-seat auditorium known as the Queen's Hall, which hosts concerts, literary events, and conferences. The Black Diamond is connected to the older Holm Building by skyways over the busy Christians Brygge thoroughfare, integrating historical and contemporary library functions. With its combination of cultural facilities and architectural innovation, it stands as a prominent cultural venue along Copenhagen's waterfront.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the Black Diamond during weekdays for a quieter experience, especially in the reading rooms and exhibitions. Booking tickets or seats for concerts and events in the Queen's Hall in advance is recommended due to limited capacity. The library offers access to extensive collections, but books must be ordered in advance rather than browsed directly. The café and exhibition spaces provide a pleasant cultural break. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the harbor from the glazed facade and the connecting skywalk.
Faits intéressants
- •The Black Diamond's facade consists of 2,500 square meters of Absolute Black granite, each stone weighing about 75 kg, sourced from Zimbabwe and polished in Italy.
- •The building's atrium is top-lit and features wavy balconies, creating a bright contrast to the dark exterior.
- •The Queen's Hall auditorium seats 600 and is used for chamber music, jazz concerts, literary events, and conferences.
- •The Black Diamond is connected to the old Holm Building by several skyways over Christians Brygge, a busy waterfront road.
- •Glass walls facing the reading rooms are 6 meters high, 2.4 meters wide, and 16 mm thick, with each glass pane weighing 576 kg.
Histoire
The Black Diamond was conceived following an international architectural competition launched by the Danish Ministry of Cultural Affairs in the early 1990s, attracting 178 firms.
Schmidt Hammer Lassen won the competition in 1993, and construction began in 1995.
The building was inaugurated on 7 September 1999 and opened to the public shortly after.
It was named the Black Diamond by the then Minister of Cultural Affairs, Jytte Hilden.
The extension significantly expanded the Royal Danish Library's facilities, adding 21,500 square meters and increasing reading rooms and seating capacity.
Over time, it has become a key cultural hub in Copenhagen, blending modern design with the library's historic roots.
Guide du lieu
Atrium1999
A bright, top-lit central space within the Black Diamond, featuring wavy balconies and serving as the heart of the library's public areas. It contrasts with the building’s dark exterior and provides natural light to the surrounding reading rooms.
Queen's Hall Auditorium1999
A 600-seat auditorium used for concerts, mainly chamber music and jazz, as well as literary events, theatrical performances, and conferences.
The Link (Skywalk)1999
A glazed connecting walkway that links the old Holm Building with the Black Diamond across Christians Brygge. It offers panoramic views of Christianshavn and Islands Brygge across the harbour.
Reading Rooms1999
Six reading rooms located on levels C to F, each facing the atrium with large glass walls allowing natural light. They feature double-height spaces with mezzanine floors, providing quiet study areas with substantial seating.
Contact
Téléphone: 33 47 47 47
