The Black Diamond
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
The Black Diamond is a striking modern extension of the Royal Danish Library, instantly recognizable by its gleaming black granite facade that reflects Copenhagen's harbor and sky. Completed in 1999 by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, this architectural landmark houses not only extensive library collections but also exhibition galleries, a concert hall, café, and restaurant. Free admission welcomes all visitors to explore its soaring atrium, contemporary reading spaces, and the seamless blend of historic and modern design that defines this cultural beacon on Copenhagen's waterfront.
A brief summary to Black Diamond
- Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1221, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a clear day to see the black granite facade sparkle in sunlight and reflect the sky and harbor. The building's appearance changes dramatically with light conditions and weather.
- Arrive early on weekday mornings for a peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Weekday mornings offer the best opportunity to explore the atrium and reading spaces without interruption.
- Don't miss the 24-meter-high central atrium with its undulating balconies and the bridge connecting the modern extension to the historic 1906 library building—this transition is architecturally significant.
- Check the exhibition schedule before visiting, as the building hosts rotating displays including the National Museum of Photography and National Museum of Cartoon Art.
- Enjoy the ground-floor café with harbor views, or explore the restaurant for a longer dining experience while overlooking Copenhagen's waterfront.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro & Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Vanløse or Lufthavnen, exiting at Gammel Strand station. From there, it is a 5–8 minute walk south along the waterfront promenade toward Slotsholmen. The Black Diamond is directly on the harbor at Søren Kierkegaards Plads. This is the most convenient option for visitors from central Copenhagen, with frequent service throughout the day.
-
Bus
Several bus routes serve the area around Christiansborg Slot and the Royal Library. Routes 2A, 9A, and 37 stop near Slotsholmen. Journey time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently, and the stop is within a 2–3 minute walk of the Black Diamond entrance.
-
Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes reaching the Black Diamond by bicycle straightforward. Bike lanes lead directly to the waterfront area around Slotsholmen. Journey time from Nørreport or Hovedbanegården is approximately 10–12 minutes. Bicycle parking is available near the building entrance.
-
Walking from City Center
From Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square), the walk to the Black Diamond takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Head south toward the waterfront, following signs for Christiansborg Slot and Slotsholmen. The route is flat and passes through Copenhagen's historic center, making it an enjoyable pedestrian approach.
Black Diamond location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
Discover more about Black Diamond
A Sculptural Monument to Modern Design
The Black Diamond stands as one of Copenhagen's most iconic architectural achievements, a sculptural monolith that commands attention from every angle. Designed by Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen and completed in 1999, the building's distinctive silhouette emerges from the waterfront like a polished gemstone, its nickname derived from the sharp prismatic edges and the 2,500 square meters of Absolute Black granite that clads its exterior. Each granite panel, weighing 75 kilograms, was mined in Zimbabwe and cut with millimeter precision in northern Italy, creating a facade so reflective that it mirrors the shifting Nordic light, the harbor's ripples, and Copenhagen's ever-changing sky. The building's eight stories contain 450 rooms and 800 doors distributed across a total volume of 20,733 cubic meters, making it the largest library in the Nordic countries.Engineering Innovation Beneath the Surface
What makes the Black Diamond truly remarkable is the sophisticated engineering that enables its dramatic form. The building leans unnaturally over the harbor, its slanting glass facade held aloft by giant steel girders weighing one ton per meter, secured at the base by inverted L-beams. The facade comprises a system of pressure rods and cables in a vertical arrangement with a load of 10 tons, allowing the structure to achieve its striking appearance without large traversing or vertical beams. Beneath the surface lies a system of vibration isolation, essential for protecting centuries-old manuscripts from the subtle tremors of nearby harbor traffic. The undulating concrete balconies within the 24-meter-high central atrium presented an insanely difficult challenge for engineers, requiring more than 10,000 coordinate points in the formwork to create their silky-soft, wave-like appearance.A Bridge Between Old and New Copenhagen
The Black Diamond does not stand alone but forms part of a three-building complex that spans Danish architectural history. The modern extension connects seamlessly to Preben Hansen's narrow extension from 1968 and H.J. Holm's historical library building from 1906, creating a dialogue between centuries of design philosophy. The transition between the sleek, contemporary Black Diamond and the historic library sections is carefully orchestrated, with a bridge decorated by Danish artist Per Kirkeby's 211-square-meter ceiling painting marking the passage between eras. This architectural conversation celebrates Copenhagen's unique identity, where cutting-edge modernism coexists respectfully with heritage preservation.A Cultural Hub Beyond the Library
While functioning as the Royal Danish Library, the Black Diamond transcends its primary purpose to serve as a comprehensive cultural institution. The building houses the National Museum of Photography, the National Museum of Cartoon Art, and a 600-seat concert hall known as the Queen's Hall, which hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and conferences. Exhibition galleries showcase rotating displays, while a bookshop, café, and restaurant provide spaces for lingering and reflection. The ground floor opens directly onto the harbor promenade, symbolizing transparency and public access to knowledge. A children's library offers interactive spaces for young visitors, ensuring the building welcomes all ages and backgrounds.The Harbor Perspective
From the library's prime waterfront location, visitors experience panoramic views of Copenhagen's harbor and canals, with the famous Circle Bridge visible from many vantage points. The building's relationship to water is fundamental to its identity—the reflective granite facade creates an ever-changing dialogue with the harbor's surface, while the central atrium's glass wall slices diagonally through the building, connecting interior spaces to the external waterscape. At night, the building transforms, with interior light glowing through the dark exterior, creating an almost living presence on the waterfront.A Destination for All Visitors
The Black Diamond welcomes visitors regardless of their relationship to libraries or literature. Architects and design enthusiasts come to study its innovative facade and interior spatial design. Photographers capture the building's geometric precision and reflective qualities at different times of day. Families explore the children's library and exhibitions. Researchers access rare manuscripts and specialized collections. Casual visitors simply experience the building as a public gathering space, enjoying coffee while watching boats pass, reading in quiet corners, or attending cultural events. The free admission policy ensures that this architectural masterpiece remains accessible to everyone, embodying the democratic ideals that shaped its creation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Circle Bridge
0.1 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
The Stable Boy's House
0.3 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Magstræde
0.6 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Højbro Plads
0.6 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro Pl.
0.6 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.6 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.6 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Unmissable attractions to see
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.0 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Kopenhagen
0.3 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Lille Langebro
0.3 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Christiansborg Palace
0.4 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
0.1 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Kadeau
0.4 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Cafe Wilder
0.6 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Marv & Ben
0.6 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.6 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
King Hans Cellar
0.6 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Rio Bravo
0.6 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Puk
0.6 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
0.7 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
à terre
0.7 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.7 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.6 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Hygge Original
0.6 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Akimbo
0.7 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Strøget
0.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
& Other Stories
0.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magnolias
0.7 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.7 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
0.5 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Zefside
0.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
0.6 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.6 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.6 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Southern Cross Pub
0.7 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Brønnum
0.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
