Black Diamond, Library building in Slotsholmen, Denmark
The Black Diamond is a modern library building by the water in Copenhagen's old city center with black granite facades and large glass elements. Seven floors contain reading areas, book collections, and digital resources that visitors can freely access.
The building opened in 1999 as an extension to the Royal Danish Library and continued Copenhagen's modernization. The architects created a new symbol for contemporary library architecture.
The name refers to the black granite facades that glimmer like jewels in sunlight. Visitors notice how the building contrasts with older city architecture while its modern design responds to the waterfront setting.
The building is easy to reach and offers multiple entrances for visitors with different mobility needs. Explore the open levels and reading areas during daylight to fully appreciate the architecture.
An art ceiling by artist Per Kirkeby connects this building to the older Royal Library through a bridge. This 210 square-meter installation is worth seeking out in the connecting passages between the two parts.
Location: Copenhagen Municipality
Inception: 1999
Architects: Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Architectural style: Neomodern architecture
Floors above the ground: 7
Part of: Royal Danish Library
Address: Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1
Phone: +(+45)33474747
Website: https://kb.dk/arrangementer
GPS coordinates: 55.67337,12.58269
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Copenhagen brings together centuries of history with recent construction in a walkable city by the water. Nyhavn lines the harbor with narrow houses painted in strong colors, where wooden ships dock beside outdoor cafes. The Little Mermaid sits on a rock at the edge of the sound, a bronze figure that has drawn visitors since the early 20th century. Christiansborg Palace rises near the old city center, while Amalienborg forms a royal residence around an octagonal plaza. The Opera House stands across the harbor with a flat, cantilevered roof, and The Black Diamond adds a modern glass facade to the Royal Library. Further out, The Blue Planet aquarium curves along the coast in Ørestad, and the VM Houses show angular residential design in the same district. Parks and gardens spread across the city, offering green space and different moods. The Botanical Garden collects plants from around the world under glass domes and in open beds. Superkilen Park stretches through the Nørrebro neighborhood with colored surfaces and objects gathered from many countries. King's Garden surrounds Rosenborg Castle with tree-lined paths and lawns where people sit in warm weather. Assistens Cemetery lies quiet among the streets, used both as a burial ground and a place to walk. Tivoli Gardens mixes rides, stages, and flower beds in the center of the city. Strøget runs as a long pedestrian street through the old town. Freetown Christiania remains a self-governed neighborhood with painted buildings and its own rules. Dragør preserves old fishing cottages and cobblestones just outside the capital.
Børsen
252 m
Royal Danish Library
59 m
Circle Bridge
126 m
Danish Jewish Museum
113 m
Christian's Church
303 m
Danish War Museum
187 m
Royal Library Garden
162 m
KVINFO
75 m
National Museum of Photography
0 m
Christian IV's Brewhouse
184 m
Leda and the Swan
159 m
The War Museum
170 m
Søren Kierkegaard
167 m
Proviantgården
172 m
The Lapidarium of Kings
187 m
Chancery Building
231 m
Christian IV's Arsenal
193 m
Kunstkammeret
244 m
De seks Søstre
278 m
Storm House
211 m
Faroese Warehouse
232 m
Lerche House
196 m
Kulturtårnet på Knippelsbro
314 m
C.F. Tietgen house
271 m
Peder Griffenfeld
222 m
Børsbroen
313 m
Bryghusbroen
204 m
Tjæreborg
206 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes