Black Diamond

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